Beyond Boundaries: Love and Sacrifice

Chapter 3: The Long Road to Closure

The silence of Pond's apartment felt heavy, pressing in from every direction as he stared at the untouched glass of water on the table in front of him. He hadn't slept a wink. All night, his mind had replayed Phuwin's words on a relentless loop.

"Let go of the past."

The words echoed in his mind, slicing through him like a blade. Pond couldn't escape the pain they stirred up, no matter how many times he told himself it was over. It had been five years since Phuwin left without an explanation, but Pond's heart still clung to every memory, every promise they had made. How could he just "let go" of someone who had once been his entire world?

His phone buzzed, snapping him from his thoughts. Joong's name flashed across the screen, a tiny lifeline amidst the swirling sea of emotions. Pond hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Pond," Joong's voice was calm, but there was an underlying tone of concern. "Are you okay?"

Pond let out a shaky breath, trying to keep his voice steady. "No, Joong. I don't think I am."

Joong paused, then said softly, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Pond closed his eyes, feeling the weight of his frustration and grief. "I saw him, Joong. And he... he has kids. A family. And all he told me was to let go of the past, like I didn't even matter."

There was silence on the other end, a quiet that spoke of Joong's understanding and the unspoken support he always offered. "I know how much this hurts, Pond. But maybe... maybe there's more to his story than he's letting on."

"What do you mean?" Pond asked, frowning.

"Well," Joong began, choosing his words carefully, "he's not the kind of person to walk away without reason. You know that. You knew him better than anyone."

Pond swallowed hard, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. "Maybe I didn't know him at all. Maybe... maybe he really did just move on."

Joong sighed. "Listen, Pond. Closure doesn't come easy. But sometimes, understanding why someone did something—no matter how much it hurts—can be the first step."

Pond nodded, though he wasn't sure he believed it. The word "closure" felt foreign, almost mocking, like something he'd never actually find. But a part of him knew Joong was right. There had to be more to Phuwin's story.

---

Later that day, Pond sat by his window, looking out at the cityscape, but his mind was somewhere far away. Images of his past with Phuwin filled his thoughts, memories that felt like dreams in the harsh light of reality.

He remembered how they'd spent hours planning their life together, late-night conversations about dreams and future plans. Phuwin had always talked about wanting a life free of expectations, a life where he could be himself. They'd imagined a simple place by the beach, where Phuwin could paint, and Pond... well, he hadn't cared what he'd do, as long as Phuwin was there.

But as time went on, Pond noticed subtle changes in Phuwin. There were days when he'd seem distant, as if carrying a weight Pond couldn't see. He'd laugh it off whenever Pond asked, saying it was just work or family expectations. But looking back, Pond wondered if it had been something much deeper.

One memory stood out—a night under the stars, when Phuwin had looked at him with a sadness that felt like a goodbye.

"If I ever have to leave," Phuwin had whispered, "just know it's not because I don't love you."