_Almost Is Never Enough_

The Agony of Almost 🩶

As the loudspeaker called out the final boarding announcement for their flight, Ava's eyes scanned the crowded terminal with a mix of hope and desperation. She stood up from her seat, her gaze darting around the area, willing Sophia to appear. But as the minutes ticked by, the gate agents began to close the doors, their firm voices announcing the flight's departure.

Ava's heart raced as she rushed to the large windows overlooking the tarmac. She pressed her face against the glass, her eyes frantically searching for the plane. And then, she saw it - the aircraft slowly backing away from the gate, its engines roaring to life as it prepared for takeoff.

Ava's breath caught in her throat as the plane taxied down the runway, its wheels lifting off the ground with a graceful ease that belied the turmoil churning inside her. She felt a hand on her shoulder, Lola's gentle touch offering a comforting presence, but Ava's gaze remained fixed on the plane as it soared into the sky, carrying Sophia's dreams - and their shared aspirations - away from her.

"No! Please, no! I was supposed to be on that flight!" Ava exclaimed, her voice cracking as she broke down on the floor, overcome with tears.

"Lola, I worked so hard for this day... I worked day and night, pouring my heart and soul into my designs... I was so close to making my dreams a reality," Ava sobbed, her body shaking uncontrollably.

"I know, Ava... I know," Lola replied, tears streaming down her face as she tried to comfort her.

"I cracked my head thinking of new ideas, making sure they weren't similar to anyone else's... I went the extra mile, always striving for perfection... And now... now it's all being taken away from me," Ava wailed, her voice echoing through the airport.

Sophia, watching from a distance, felt her own heart shatter into a million pieces. She knew Ava's dedication and passion, and seeing her like this was unbearable.

Lola tried to hold Ava close, but Ava pushed her away, her eyes pleading.

"Why did Sophia do this, Lola? Didn't she know how much this meant to me? Why would she rob me of this opportunity?!" Ava cried out, her voice cracking with pain.

"I don't know, Ava... I'm so sorry," Lola replied, her own voice trembling.

"This was my chance... my one chance to make it big... to prove myself... and Sophia just took it away from me... why?!" Ava sobbed, her body wracked with grief.

Sophia's body shook with sobs as she watched the plane disappear into the distance. She felt like she was losing a part of herself, like she was watching her dreams take off without her. She didn't know how to process her emotions, but she knew she had to find a way to come to terms with her decision.

The next day, Ryan woke up to the alarm clock's ear-piercing shriek beside Sophia's motionless form. She lay frozen, her eyes vacant, as the ringing jarred the air. Ryan silenced the alarm and gazed down at Sophia, his expression a mix of concern and helplessness. Without a word, she stirred, her movements robotic, and dragged herself towards the shower. Her eyes seemed to hold a thousand tears, her skin pale, and her shoulders slumped in defeat.

Sophia got ready for work, her movements subdued and lacking their usual spark. Ryan tried to offer her a comforting cup of coffee, but she walked past him without a word, her eyes fixed on some distant point. She drove to work in silence, the absence of music a stark contrast to her usual morning routine.

Her first stop was Alex's coffee shop, where she pushed open the door with a hint of hesitation. As she entered, Alex looked up, his eyes widening in surprise at the sight of her, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Sophia? What brings you here? I thought you'd be... elsewhere by now," Alex asked, his curiosity piqued. His gaze drifted to her hand, and his eyes narrowed slightly as he spotted the ring. "Ah, I see. You've made your choice, then?".