_Almost Is Never Enough_

So Near, Yet So Far 🩶

The next morning, Sophia groggily opened her eyes, her head pounding from the night before. She was met with a wave of confusion, unsure how she had even made it home. Her memories of the previous night were hazy, and she struggled to recall the events that had led her to her bed. Just as she was trying to piece together the fragments of her memory, Ryan appeared at her doorstep with a tray of breakfast in hand.

"Morning, how are you feeling?".
Sophia rubbed her temples, trying to alleviate the throbbing pain. "I'm good, I guess. But how did I get home? I don't remember much."

Ryan set the tray down on her bedside table. "You Ubered yourself home. I'm glad you weren't too drunk to get lost, but that was risky. Next time, call me, okay?"

Sophia shot him a skeptical look. "So you can hang up on me? No thanks. I'll wander around till I make it home."

Sophia tossed off the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed, ready to start her day. But before she could stand up, Ryan gently took her hand, his eyes pleading for her attention. Sophia turned to him, a hint of irritation in her voice.

"What?"
Ryan's expression softened. "About yesterday... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to undermine the sacrifice you made for us. I was just under a lot of stress from work, and I took it out on you. I'm really sorry, Sophia."

Sophia's expression remained skeptical, but Ryan continued, his voice filled with sincerity. "I love you, Sophia. A lot."

Sophia's irritation slowly melted away, replaced by a warm smile. "That makes two of us," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ryan's lips met Sophia's in a tender yet passionate kiss, their embrace intensifying as they sank onto the bed together. But as Ryan's shirt came off and he positioned himself above her, a sudden memory burst forth - the fleeting image of Alex's face, his lips on hers, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

Sophia's eyes snapped open, and with a startled cry, she pushed Ryan away, her hand flying to her mouth as if to erase the traitorous memory. She hastily fled to the bathroom, leaving Ryan sitting on the bed, confusion and concern etched on his face.

As soon as Sophia burst into the bathroom, she locked the door behind her and approached the mirror. She stared at her reflection, her eyes wide with disbelief and shock. She tried to process what had just happened, but her mind was a jumbled mess. She attempted to recall the moment that had triggered the memory, but it was hazy and unclear. She was torn, wondering if the memory was a product of her imagination or a fragment of reality. Her thoughts raced as she struggled to distinguish between fantasy and truth.

As she stood there, frozen in confusion, Sophia heard a gentle knock on the bathroom door.

"Sophia, are you okay?" Ryan's voice was laced with concern.

Sophia hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

"I...I need a minute," Sophia stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

The knocking stopped, and Sophia was left alone with her thoughts once again. She took a few more deep breaths, trying to calm herself down, but her mind continued to race.

Sophia took a deep breath, composing herself as she washed her face and gazed at the ring on her finger. When she opened the door, Ryan immediately asked,

"You good? What happened?".
Sophia hesitated, "I... uh, I think I hit someone with a bottle last night when I was drunk."

Ryan's expression turned concerned, "What? Who and why?".
Sophia's voice trembled, "I don't remember, but I think he was bothering me. The memory just flashed, I'm not sure."