Always

For Six Months Promised, Yet Here I Stand, A Prisoner Trapped, Grasping At Hope

Later that afternoon, Tee returned to the office carrying a fragrant takeout bag filled with an assortment of food. The aroma wafted through the air, yet it failed to penetrate the heavy atmosphere that enveloped her colleagues. She felt both fumed and heartbroken. The weight of her recent encounter with her girlfriend, and the fact that they are separated, pressed heavily against her chest. Every thought of Irin was an echo of joy transformed into sorrow, a reminder of what once was.

As Tee entered the workspace, her eyes scanned the familiar faces of her friends. Nita sat hunched over her desk, worry etched into her features. Her brow furrowed as she moved papers around aimlessly, concern blooming in her heart, ever since Freen's disappearance. It had been two months since anyone had heard about her, and the fear of something dire hung over them like a dark cloud.

Kade, usually vibrant and full of life, had lost her appetite, remnants of untouched lunch remained on her desk. The animated chatter that typically thrived in their office was replaced by a deafening silence. Nam, seated in a corner, appeared lost within the dizzying spiral of her own thoughts. A cloudy sadness loomed about her, as if she were a specter drifting through the office. Heng, once the team protector and motivator, now stared blankly at the wall, the flicker of his enthusiasm snuffed out.

Their shared burden intensified Tee's heartache. She had hoped that a gesture such as bringing food would spark a flicker of joy, yet it seemed futile. As she unwrapped the meal, the sound of plastic crinkling echoed in the hushed room. The others looked up momentarily, their eyes glazed with fatigue and despair, before returning to their respective thoughts. Each one wrestled with their own demons, compounded by the absence of Freen, which weighed heavily upon them all.

-In a silent corner of the office, BETA with a mixture of sympathy and frustration. She knew that the gang lost their motivation. They lost hope, and now their relationship has become more distant than ever. She began remembering Freen's words and how she empathized that she is to blame for. Regret once again became her new companion. She wished that the days will go fast, and her friends will always keep hoping for Freen to return. However, she now grappled with the fear that her friends might abandon the hope of ever seeing Freen again. It seemed as id the darkness creeping into their lives threatened to consume them, yet BETA glanced sadly upon them, wishing for a miracle to happen soon.

-"Tee" Nita spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you alright?" Tee paused, her heart momentarily lifting at the concern etched on Nita's face. "I..I...broke up with Irin..". The silence that once the floor's best friend, now began to shatter into pieces. Nam slightly turned her face and looked at her, until she unconsciously laughed out loud. Kade stared at Nam for a moment, before turning her head to meet Tee. "What happened?" Kade asked, as her voice filled with exhaustion. Tee's shoulders slumped as she shook her head. "I tried to avoid her for the past two months. I..I thought she knew better, but apparently she doesn't. Whatever the outcome, she will always stand up for Rebecca."

-Nita took off her glasses, as she snorted. "Tee, what did I told you few years ago? When it comes to choosing a side. She will always choose her. Remember?" Tee's temper raised again, as she clenched her fist trying not to lash at her. "I KNOW! Nita..I know! But I hoped. I hoped that she will be the voice of reason! To stop her! Anything! But nah-" Nam stood up as she wiped her tears. "She only provided food and clothing for her, which was according to her of course. And pretty much that's it. They treated her like a pig for slaughter! Rendering her flesh before the final blow. What do you expect your girlfriend will do Tee? Prepare the dough for the perfect pie? Or preserve the perfect cut for later?"