Bitter and the Sweetness

"Maya! Where are you going?!" Riley yells, following the blonde girl.

Maya stops and turns around to face Riley. The blonde's face has tears trailing down her cheeks, and her lip is quivering. Riley steps forward, but Maya takes a step back, her combat boots making a loud smacking sound on the concrete.

"You want to know why I stay? Honestly, you're right. I hate this. Everyone is against me, and I even lost you," Maya laughs bitterly. "I want to leave so badly, I always have. The only reason I stay is you. You are what helps me wake up in the morning, knowing that someone in the world cares if I am alive or dead. You're the reason I haven't left because I can't live without you!"

Riley looks at Maya, "Maya..."

The blonde turns her head away from Riley. She squeezes her eyes shut, another tear slipping. The girl hugs herself.

"I love you, Riley..." Maya says brokenly.

And with that, Maya Hart slips away from the alley, leaving Riley standing there in shock.