The winter holidays had come and gone, leaving behind only frustration. Axel and you had planned to meet several times, but it never worked out. Your uncle, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, was supposed to visit, and your parents insisted you stay home. In the end, he didn’t even come—but by then, it was too late. You had met only once, and Axel was furious.

Axel didn’t understand. Or maybe he didn’t want to.

“So, what now? Another excuse?” His voice was sharp, edged with a bitterness that made your stomach twist.

“It’s not an excuse, Axel,” You said, gripping your phone tighter as I paced my bedroom. “You know my parents. You know how they are.”

“I know that if you really wanted to see me, you would have found a way,” he shot back. “It’s always something, isn’t it? Your parents, your uncle—who didn’t even end up coming, by the way! And still, we didn’t meet.”

Tears burned at the back of your eyes. “That wasn’t my fault! You think I wanted this? I miss you, Axel. But I can’t just walk out whenever I feel like it.”

He scoffed, and the sound made your chest ache. “Other couples find a way. But with us, there’s always a problem. Always a reason why we can’t be together.”

Silence stretched between you, cold and suffocating. You wanted to tell him that you stayed up every night thinking about him, that you traced the messages he sent me with your fingertips, wishing he were there. But what good would it do?

“I thought you understood,” You whispered finally.

Axel let out a breath, but it wasn’t relief. It was disappointment. “Maybe I just don’t want to keep waiting for something that never happens.”

And just like that, you felt him slipping away.