Already Gone (Harry Styles / One Direction)

A Trip, and Acceptance*

Change... We don't like it, we fear it. But we can't stop it from coming. We either adapt to change, or we get left behind. It hurts to grow. Anybody who tells you it doesn't, is lying. But here's the truth: Sometimes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. And sometimes, oh, sometimes, change is good. Sometimes, change is... everything.

~~3 months after Tristan's Death~~
Maddie's POV

Today, I woke up feeling happy, a stark contrast to the previous days. The last few months have been challenging, but having Harry, Louis, Niall, and Liam by my side has been a blessing. My perspective on life has shifted: live each day as if it's your last. Tristan would not have wanted me to waste away the days. He'd want me to embrace life fully, just as we did when he was here.

Liam and Shelly have grown quite close, and she's planning to move to London with him soon. I've assured the guys that I'm okay and they can return home, yet they've chosen to stay. They do visit their homes over the weekends, during which time I stay with Josh. Josh, meanwhile, has moved on from the blonde bimbos who couldn't multitask to save their lives.

He has been talking to Gemma, who is Harry's sister. She's set to arrive here tomorrow, and he is thrilled about it. I believe Harry's mom might come too; she wants to see the place her son has praised so much. After showering, brushing my hair and teeth, I head downstairs, drawn by the sound of laughter. Entering the living room, I see Shelly and Josh. They halt and look at me. I sink into a chair and offer them a smile. Their cautiousness around me is maddening; they always seem to stop laughing or enjoying themselves when I appear.

"Don't stop on my account," I say, laughing with them. I usually sulk, but I've decided to stop that. I want to celebrate life and honor how Tristan always brightened everyone's day. "What's so funny?" I inquire, noticing their wary glances.

"Well, love..." Harry sits up, resting his elbows on his knees. "We were actually talking about Kristen, believe it or not." I can't help but laugh, having not thought about her in a while. I find myself smiling at the memories of Tristan and me poking fun at her, and how I'd immediately text him whenever she did something stupid and he wasn't around. Josh groans, and I know they've been ribbing him.

"She was quite the character," I remark, glancing at Josh who is now biting his lip. "What brought her up, anyway?" Harry chuckles, looking over at Josh, who has turned his attention to the wall.

"She texted him this morning," Niall interjects with a laugh. At this, I sit bolt upright, wondering what on earth she could want.

Josh says, raising an eyebrow at me, "She said she missed us. But I told her to fuck off, so all is good." Indeed, a good punching bag would be useful at this moment. As the conversation shifts, I take in the sight of everyone before me. We've grown so close; these guys have become like family. I'm grateful for them; I doubt I could've made it without their support. Louis consistently lifts my spirits with his humorous yet silly antics, all while being caring and considerate. Niall has a way of guiding my thoughts to joyful places, inspiring me to embrace life. Liam has been a mental rock; he's my go-to for deep conversations, offering reassurance when I fear I've lost my direction or sanity, reminding me of all the reasons I haven't.

Harry is my rock; he's there to hold me when I cry and joins in my sorrow. When I'm angry, he knows just how to channel that energy, and we let loose together. I can still hear Tristan's last words to him on the night that altered my life forever: "Take care of my girl, bub." And he has done just that. Harry is my best friend, and having him and the guys around is a true blessing. My reverie is interrupted by Louis's voice. "What's put that beautiful smile on your face, love?" I beam at him in response.