player [ 𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 | 𝗮𝘂 ]

eight

LUKE

Graduation day arrived, but I wasn't there for it. Instead, I found myself sitting on my bed, staring blankly at the wall realizing that I was missing my graduation,  but more importantly, the reality that I was missing Daphne's big moment settled in. She deserved to walk across that stage, to have her family and friends cheering her on, to feel that sense of accomplishment. And yet here I was, tangled up in my own mess, a fight brewing in the other room.

"Seriously, Sarah? You think I'm just going to let this slide?" I shouted, my voice echoing in the cramped space.

She crossed her arms defiantly, her expression a mix of anger and guilt. "I didn't think you'd find out, Luke! It was a mistake—just a stupid fling."

"A mistake?" I scoffed, pacing back and forth. "You lied to me! Again! How many times does this have to happen before you realize it's not just 'a mistake'?"

"I was lonely," she shot back, her voice rising. "You've been so wrapped up in your own life that I felt like I was invisible!"

"And whose fault is that?" I pressed, frustration bubbling over. "I tried to reach out! I thought we were on the same page, but you keep going behind my back."

Sarah's eyes narrowed. "Maybe you should have thought about that before agreeing to talk to me again. You don't get to act all high and mighty just because I wanted some attention."

Her words hit me hard, and I felt the anger drain away, replaced by a heavy sadness. I had been so eager to reconnect, thinking maybe we could fix things, that I hadn't considered the possibility that she would pull this again. I had made a mistake by letting her back into my life.

In the back of my mind, thoughts of Daphne floated unbidden. I had missed her graduation, and I couldn't shake the image of her in that cap and gown, her smile lighting up the room. She was the one who truly deserved a celebration. She was the one who had always supported me, and I had let her down by getting caught up in my own drama.

As Sarah continued to argue, my thoughts drifted back to Daphne—her laughter, her warmth. I had tried so hard to keep our relationship as just friends, but the feelings I had for her were undeniable. Every time I thought about her, I wished I had told her how I felt before it was too late. I should have reached out, but with everything going on, I wanted to give her space, to respect her decision to step away from all the chaos in our lives.

After the fight, I paced around my room, my mind racing. I couldn't help but wonder how she was doing, what she was thinking. I'd seen Michael a few days before, and even he seemed to sense the tension in the air. I'd wanted to ask him about Daphne, but the conversation felt too loaded.

Then came the bombshell: "Daphne's leaving Australia right after graduation," Michael had said casually, but the words felt like a punch to the gut. I couldn't believe it. She was actually leaving. Just like that.

The realization hit me like a tidal wave. I couldn't let her go without telling her how I felt. I had to find her. I had to make things right, no matter how complicated everything had become.

With urgency coursing through my veins, I headed to the airport, the weight of my regrets heavy on my shoulders. As I stepped outside, I took a deep breath, the cool air filling my lungs. I hoped I wasn't too late, that I could catch her before she slipped away for good.

My heart raced as I made my way through the airport, every step echoing with the thoughts of what I needed to say. I could still feel the sting of my fight with Sarah, the anger and regret mingling with the desperate hope that I could make things right with Daphne.

"Please let her still be here," I whispered to myself, my heart pounding as I scanned the crowd for her familiar face.

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