invisible string theory 𝙟.𝙮𝙝

five

⌒౨ৎ

"Gotcha!" His voice came from behind her, and she spun around, startled but instantly relieved to see him.

"Wow, you scared me a little," she laughed, placing a hand over her heart. "I thought I missed you!"

"I was just about to leave, I mean, you are an hour late. But I'm glad I caught you," he said, grinning. "I wasn't sure if you were coming."

She replied, feeling flustered but happy to see him, "I'm so sorry! I lost track of time, I was catching up with an old school friend."

"No worries, I was enjoying the park anyway. It's beautiful out here," he said, gesturing to the vibrant trees and clear sky.

As they began walking together, she couldn't help but notice how easy it felt to be with him. The initial nerves she had faded away, replaced by a sense of comfort.

As they strolled through the park, the sun filtered through the trees, creating that same serene scene that she loves so dearly. He glanced at her and, sensing a moment, decided to gently steer the conversation into more personal territory.

"So, what's something that's really shaped who you are?" he asked, his tone casual yet sincere.

She paused for a moment, contemplating her response. "Honestly, it would have to be my sister's passing. It changed everything for me," she admitted, her voice quieter.

He nodded, encouraging her to share more. "I'm really sorry to hear that. If you're comfortable, I'd like to hear about it."

Taking a deep breath, she began. "She was diagnosed with cancer in my tenth year of high school, it all happened so fast. One moment we were making plans for the future, our weddings, our children, even our grandchildren. And the next, we were in and out of hospitals."

"I can't imagine how difficult that must have been," he said softly, his expression empathetic.

"It was overwhelming," she continued, her heart heavy with memories. "We shared everything--our dreams, fears, and even silly moments. When she got sick, I felt completely lost. It was like the world turned upside down."

"If you don't mind me asking, what was it like for you in those final days?" he asked gently, clearly wanting to dive deeper and understand more.

"Intense," she chuckled, her eyes glistening. "I tried to be strong for her, to support her through the treatment. She had close friends who were in and out of hospital too, but there were moments when it felt like we were just waiting, and I could see the toll it was taking on her. In her last days, I just wanted to make her comfortable and remind her how much she meant to me."

The guy listened intently, absorbing every word, he was oddly very inquisitive about it. More than a normal person would be, but she wasn't going to complain, he was the first person she had ever spoken to about it. "It sounds like you two had a very special bond."

"We did," she said, a small smile breaking through her sadness. "Even in the darkest times, we found ways to laugh and cherish the moments together. After she passed, I realised how important it is to hold onto those memories."