That feeling.

Loneliness.

You just feel empty. When you were a kid, you used to dream about relationships like in the fairy tales—happy, healthy relationships. Now, the grown-up you still dreams of that.

Simon, your boyfriend, always cheated. And you knew it. But God, you loved him. How could you let go of a person you love with all your heart? How could you stop loving someone who makes you feel alive?

Every single time you found out he was cheating, your heart lost a piece of itself. It was like falling into the void—a black hole that shut your mouth and stole your breath, making tears roll down your cheeks.

It’s another one of those nights; you and the void in your chest. It’s the worst feeling, but it’s the only one making you feel alive now. Your finger slowly scrolls down the cold screen of your phone, your body covered by the sheets on the bed. Suddenly, a call stops you in your tracks. It’s Simon. He’s out with his friends at a party. Maybe he misses you?

You answer the call, but the first thing you hear is the rustling of fabric. “Simon?” you ask, your voice weak.

“You’re his boyfriend, aren’t you?” a high-pitched voice says. You can hear muffled groans in the background.

You answer yes. Your heart is already beating faster than it should, just imagining him being with another boy. And yet, it’s not the first time you’ve received a phone call like this.

“Yeah…” He laughs, and there’s a low voice in speaking in the background. “Come on, baby. Give me the phone.” Simon.

He’s with another man. Again.