Primera

Author's note:

I made this chapter as first person point of view for more hmm. Hahaha. Kbye.

-

I trudged through the rain-soaked streets, my eyes fixed on Selso's office building. His business woes deepened, and so did his descent into darkness. I'd tried reaching out, but he pushed me away.

As his assistant left for the day, I snuck into the empty office. Selso's eyes, sunken and haunted, stared back at me. "Aya, leave me alone," he growled.

I approached him cautiously, holding out a warm sandwich. "Eat something, Selso. You're starving."

He scoffed. "Your pity won't fix me."

Undeterred, I persisted. Every evening, I'd follow him from the office to the club, watching as he drowned his sorrows. I'd bring food, only to have him refuse.

One fateful night, I trailed him into the club. The music pulsed, and the air reeked of desperation. Selso disappeared into a private room with another stranger.

I waited outside, my heart heavy. When he emerged, his eyes seemed emptier.

"Selso, stop," I pleaded. "You're killing yourself."

He sneered. "You don't know me, Aya."

Tears pricked at my eyes. "That's not true. I know the real Selso."

His laughter sent chills down my spine. "You never knew me."

In that moment, I wondered: Had I lost Selso forever?

Selso's words cut deep. I felt like I was losing my grip on the connection we once shared. His eyes, now cold and hardened, seemed to belong to a stranger.

I trailed him, determined to reach the Selso I once knew. The club's neon lights reflected off the wet pavement as we stepped out into the night air.

"Selso, please," I said, my voice barely audible over the club's thumping music. "Talk to me."

He spun around, his gaze piercing. "Why won't you give up on me, Aya?"

My heart pounded. "Because I care."

Selso's eyes narrowed. "You'd be better off without me."

I stood firm. "I won't abandon you, Selso."

For an instant, something flickered in his eyes – a glimmer of the Selso I knew. But it vanished, leaving only darkness.

"Leave me alone, Aya," he snarled, turning away.

I watched, helpless, as he vanished into the night.

-

I lay motionless, my graduation gown tangled around me. Tears streamed down my face, soaking the delicate fabric. Today was supposed to be a celebration, the culmination of years of hard work.

But Selso's haunted eyes consumed my thoughts. His descent into darkness suffocated me.

I stared blankly at the invitation:

"Aya, Summa Cum Laude

Graduation Ceremony

Today, 10 a.m."

My phone buzzed with congratulatory messages:

"Aya, congrats!"

"so proud!"

"Your future awaits!"

Each text stung. How could I celebrate when Selso was losing himself?

Rachel's concerned voice echoed in my mind: "Aya, what's wrong?"

I couldn't explain. The ache within me was too raw.

Time ticked by, ignored. My classmates gathered, beaming with pride. I remained paralyzed.

The ceremony would start soon. I should be walking towards my future, not drowning in sorrow.

With trembling fingers, I texted Rachel:

"Can't make it. Sorry."

The silence that followed was deafening.

Tears continued to fall, mourning the loss of Selso and our shattered dreams.

I don't care if everyone calls me o.a. All I know is that I'm deeply hurt. I don't know what to do anymore.

Hours passed, darkness falling outside my window. My gown lay crumpled, a reminder of abandoned dreams. Tears dried, leaving emptiness.

My phone buzzed again. Rachel.

"Aya, please talk to me. What's happening?"

I hesitated, then shared my truth:

"Selso's gone, Rach. Lost forever."

Silence.

"Aya, I'm coming over."

"No, Rach. I need solitude."

More silence.

"Love you, Aya."

Tears trickled anew.

Night descended, enveloping me in solitude. Selso's face haunted me.

Why couldn't he see my love was genuine?

Would he ever find his way back?

Sleep eluded me, replaced by anguish.

Dawn crept in, signaling a new day.

But for me, hope seemed lost.

~