A few months later, Leo and Mia's relationship deepens, and I'm grateful to be part of their journey. I often join them for study sessions, and while I cherish our time together, I can't shake the feeling of longing for the deeper connection I've built with Leo.
One evening, as we sit in the park, Leo and Mia are laughing and joking with each other. I watch them, feeling a mix of happiness and melancholy.
"Lila, come on! Join us!" Mia calls, waving me over.
I smile and sit next to them, forcing my insecurities aside. "What are you two laughing about?"
"Oh, just a funny story from practice," Leo says, grinning. "You should have seen Mia trying to play the guitar. It was like watching a cat walk on a tightrope!"
I chuckle, but beneath the laughter, I feel a pang of envy. I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I miss the intimacy Leo and I shared before Mia entered the picture.
"Hey, Lila, can I ask you something?" Leo suddenly says, turning serious.
"Of course! What's up?" I reply, curiosity piqued.
"If you could write a song about anything, what would it be?" he asks, his eyes focused intently on me.
I pause, pondering his question. "Probably about finding strength in vulnerability," I finally answer. "How it's okay to lean on others and let them in, even when it's scary."
He nods thoughtfully, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "That sounds like a powerful song. You should definitely write that."
"I will," I say, feeling inspired. "Maybe we can work on it together."
As the sun sets, casting a warm glow over us, I realize how much I've grown. Leo's friendship has allowed me to open up in ways I never thought possible.
But just as I'm beginning to feel settled, my phone buzzes, and I see a message from my mom. "We need to talk. Can you come home?"
The knot in my stomach tightens as I read the words. I can feel the anxiety creeping in, the weight of my family's expectations looming over me once again.
"I have to go," I say, my voice tinged with apprehension.
"Everything okay?" Leo asks, concern etched on his face.
"I don't know. I'll figure it out," I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel.
As I head home, a sense of dread washes over me. I know that my family will never understand the changes I've made, the dreams I'm pursuing. But I can't let their negativity hold me back any longer.
YOU ARE READING
HEART'S IN THE SHADOWS
FantasyLila has always been the forgotten child, overshadowed by her parents' attention toward her half-siblings and younger brother. Despite her love and dedication, she is treated as little more than a servant in her own home-unseen, unheard, and unloved...
