Second chances

9

Katie's texts lingered in your mind, the weight of her words settling uncomfortably in your chest. She'd said she was fine with being friends, but clearly, she wasn't as okay with it as she'd tried to convince you—and herself—to be. And you couldn't exactly blame her. It wasn't easy for you either, being close to her, seeing the familiar spark in her eyes every time you laughed at one of her jokes, knowing she'd always want more than you could give. You were caught in a loop, and it was exhausting both of you.

As the days passed, you thought long and hard about it, about the ways you were both getting tangled up again. You'd hoped for a clean slate, but every step you took forward seemed to pull you both back to the same place. This tug-of-war between closeness and distance was hurting her, and you were tired of feeling like the one responsible for her pain. So, despite the ache of it, you knew what you had to do.

After rehearsing the words in your head countless times, you finally sent her a message, heart pounding as you waited for her to see it.

You: Katie, I think we need to take a step back. I can't keep hurting you like this.

There was a pause, and your stomach twisted as you watched the "typing..." indicator appear and disappear on the screen.

Katie: Step back? Wha' d'ya mean, step back?

You took a breath, fingers shaking slightly as you typed your reply.

You: I mean... I don't think we can keep doing this. This friendship, whatever it is—it's not working, is it? I can't keep being the one to hurt you.

The typing dots appeared again, and this time, they stayed longer. You could practically feel her frustration through the screen.

Katie: So yer just givin' up on us? On this? Because of one date?

You: It's not just the date, Katie. It's... everything. We're just going in circles, and I feel like I'm letting you down every time.

Katie's response came almost immediately, her words sharp and desperate.

Katie: Ya don't have t' protect me, ya know. I'm a big girl. I can handle meself.

You: I know you can. But I also know this isn't fair on you. It's confusing and painful, and I don't want to keep putting you through it.

There was a long pause, and then another message popped up.

Katie: So, wha'? Yer sayin' we should stop talkin'? After everythin' we've been through?

You took a shaky breath, fingers hesitating over the keyboard as you considered your next words.

You: I think we both need space, Katie. Real space. Just until we figure out where we stand without hurting each other.

There was another stretch of silence, and you wondered if maybe she'd stopped reading, if maybe this time she wouldn't answer at all. But then, a new message appeared, short and heartbreakingly honest.

Katie: Alrigh'. If that's wha' ya want.

You stared at the words, guilt and sadness curling in your stomach. You'd wanted to make things easier, but somehow, it felt like you were just causing more pain.

After a moment's hesitation, you typed one final message.

You: Also, Katie... can you please stop calling me darlin'? It's... just making everything harder.

There was no reply. She left you on read, and the silence that followed felt colder than anything else.