and then you were gone

Milan is ground.
They meet in one of those summers that feel almost too beautiful to be real between the lake, the sports field, and the first true feelings. What begins as a gentle love story soon becomes something more. Milan senses that Sunny is different. Sometimes distant. Sometimes too close. Her illness has no name for him only moments in which he cannot quite reach her. And yet he loves her. More than he ever meant to.
Years pass. Dreams grow. And then, just when everything seems to be falling into place - she disappears.

A novel about love, fear, closeness, and goodbye.
Intense. Bittersweet. Real. Not every love has a happy ending. But every love leaves something behind.
"I didn't know it was the last time I held her hand. I thought we still had so many first times ahead of us."
- Milan

Author's Note:
This story portrays psychological struggles such as mood swings, withdrawal, overwhelm, and emotional vulnerability. Sunny is not perfect and she doesn't have to be. Her experiences are partly based on personal impressions, conversations, and things I have read. I am not writing this to diagnose or label anyone, but to show that there are many different ways of feeling.
If you recognize yourself in any of these thoughts or emotions, I want you to know this:
You are not alone. And help is available.
🌍 International support resources:
📞 Befrienders Worldwide - international crisis helplines:
https://www.befrienders.org
🌐 International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) - find help by country:
https://findahelpline.com
🚨 In an emergency:
Please contact your local emergency number (such as 112 or 911, depending on your country) or go to the nearest emergency room.
You are valuable.
Just the way you are.

- with warmth, Ella.bdt