WOULD YOU RESCUE ME?

36.Drowning in December

The infamous day arrived. Friday, December 20th. For most, it was just another cold, festive December morning filled with holiday plans and final errands before Christmas. But for Vanessa, the date loomed like a thundercloud, a stark reminder of loss and guilt that threatened to engulf her. The days leading up to it had already been unbearable. Despite Astra's best efforts to keep her grounded, Vanessa had spiraled deeper into her grief, the weight of her emotions too heavy to bear.

The day before had been the worst.

Vanessa had shown up to class that morning with hollow eyes and a forced smile that fooled no one. As the professor's voice droned on, her mind slipped further and further into the past. The memories of Bea's laughter, the warmth of her touch, and the way she used to brighten Vanessa's darkest days replayed like a haunting melody in her head. It wasn't long before the pressure became too much.

Without a word to anyone, Vanessa had excused herself and rushed to the nearest bathroom, locking the door behind her. Her back slid down the cold tile wall as she clutched her knees to her chest, tears streaming down her face. The sobs came hard and fast, raw and unrestrained, echoing in the small, empty space.

It wasn't long before Astra received a frantic call from Maya. "Something's wrong with Vanessa," she said, her voice tight with worry. "She ran out of class, and I think... I think she's in the bathroom crying. She's not answering anyone. Can you come?"

Astra didn't hesitate. She dropped everything and hurried to campus, her heart pounding the entire way. When she arrived, Maya and the others were gathered outside the bathroom door, their faces etched with concern.

"I've got this," Astra said firmly, motioning for them to step back. She knocked gently on the door. "Van? It's me. Can you open the door?"

There was no response, just the muffled sound of Vanessa's shaky breathing. Astra pressed her forehead against the door, her voice softening. "Vanessa, please. Let me in. I'm not going anywhere until you do."

After a long moment, the lock clicked, and the door creaked open just enough for Astra to slip inside. The sight before her broke her heart. Vanessa was huddled on the floor, her eyes red and swollen, her entire body trembling.

Without saying a word, Astra knelt down and pulled Vanessa into her arms, holding her tightly. Vanessa clung to her like a lifeline, burying her face in Astra's shoulder as fresh sobs wracked her body. "I can't do this," she choked out between cries. "I can't..."

"Shh," Astra murmured, stroking Vanessa's hair. "You don't have to do anything right now. I'm here, okay? Just breathe."

After what felt like an eternity, Vanessa's sobs began to subside, though her grip on Astra didn't loosen. "Can we leave?" she whispered hoarsely.

"Of course," Astra said without hesitation. She helped Vanessa to her feet, her arm wrapped securely around her waist as they left the bathroom. Maya and the others watched them go, their concern deepening when Astra gave a small shake of her head, silently telling them not to follow.

Back at Vanessa's apartment, Astra stayed with her for hours. She made tea, brought blankets, and did everything she could to provide comfort. But when Vanessa finally spoke, her words were unexpected.

"You can go now," she said quietly, not meeting Astra's eyes.

"Van, are you sure?" Astra asked, her voice laced with concern.

Vanessa nodded, her gaze fixed on the floor. "Yeah. I just... need to be alone for a bit."

Reluctantly, Astra left, but not before making Vanessa promise to call her if she needed anything.