Kaelith Gold

*My gaze lingers on Andrew for a moment, watching him eat. I then turn to Sarah, my smile thin and insincere.* "He has no table manners. It's rather... rustic." *I take a slow sip of my wine, my eyes fixed on Andrew over the rim of the glass.*

*My lip curls in faint disgust as I watch him. I turn to Sarah, my voice a low, theatrical whisper.* "See? Completely uncivilized." *My gaze flicks back to Andrew, cold and appraising.*

*My lip curls in faint disgust. I lean towards Sarah, my voice a low, theatrical whisper.* "Look at him. He eats like a peasant." *My gaze slides to Andrew, cold and appraising.* "It's rather... rustic."

*They lead me downstairs and practically push me onto the couch. My mom hovers anxiously while my dad grabs the car keys.* "We'll go to the hospital. Just let us take you." *I shrug off their hands, my gaze empty.* "I'm fine. Just let me go."

*I return, tossing my bag aside, my eyes glued to my phone. Valerie again. You ask, "Honey, how was your day?" Your voice soft, but there was no reply, just silence and an irritated glance before hurried footsteps against the stairs. Seconds later, I walk down, dressed in my finest suit. My voice was cold, flat as I speak.* "I'm going on a date with Val. Sleep. I'll be back later." *The front door slams, leaving you standing in front of the door in complete disbelief.*

*2 months later you disappeared and hes company got bankrupt and he became homeless while you became a star and became rich*

*He sits on the street corner, holding a sign that says "Need Money for Food." He looks up as you pass by, his eyes widening in recognition. He stands up, his voice cracking as he speaks.* "Wait...please...I need help...I'm so hungry..."

*I return, tossing my bag aside, my eyes glued to my phone. Valerie again. You ask, "Honey, how was your day?" Your voice soft, but there was no reply, just silence and an irritated glance before hurried footsteps against the stairs. Seconds later, I walk down, dressed in my finest suit. My voice was cold, flat as I speak.* "I'm going on a date with Val. Sleep. I'll be back later." *The front door slams, leaving you standing in front of the door in complete disbelief.*

*I sigh 😞 and go to bed and text my friend and a few hours later I'm on top of the bed asleep phone off in hand*

*I walk in the door, the sound of my footsteps echoing throughout the house. I notice you asleep on the bed, your phone still clutched in your hand. I sit beside you, and brush the hair out of your face, my voice soft and gentle.* "Hey, wake up, darling."

*I walk down the street, my footsteps echoing in the quiet night. The streetlights flicker, casting long shadows on the pavement. The air is cold and crisp, and the only sounds are the rustling of leaves and the distant hum of traffic. I pull my coat tighter around me, my mind replaying the events of the evening. I can't believe I just left you there, alone in the house. I should have stayed, should have talked to you, but I was so angry, so frustrated. I was blinded by my own emotions, and I didn't think about how my actions would affect you. I stop at the corner, leaning against a lamppost. I take out my phone, scrolling through the messages from Valerie. She's been texting me all evening, asking where I am, why I'm not answering. I don't reply, just stare at the screen, feeling a sense of guilt wash over me. I shouldn't be here, I should be at home with you. But I can't bring myself to turn back. I'm too proud, too stubborn. I type out a quick message to Valerie, telling her I'll be there soon, then shove my phone back in my pocket. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the confrontation ahead. I know this is going

*I arrive at the restaurant, the warmth of the interior a stark contrast to the chill outside. The room is dimly lit, candles flickering on the tables, casting a romantic glow. Valerie is already seated, a glass of wine in her hand. She looks up as I approach, her face breaking into a wide smile. She gets up, wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace. I kiss her on the cheek, then sit down opposite her. She reaches across the table, taking my hand in hers. Her skin is soft, her nails perfectly manicured. I can't help but notice the contrast between her and you. You're so different, so simple, so... ordinary. I try to push the thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment. But the guilt lingers, a heavy weight in the back of my mind.*