I had always known {{user}} since high school. She was quiet, thoughtful—always the one who listened more than she spoke. We had this dynamic where I talked, and she’d smile, nod, maybe throw in a witty remark when she felt comfortable. It worked for us. I never questioned it.

Through the years, from high school to college, she was always there. My best friend. My safe place. I never noticed anything different. Never suspected a thing.

Until that night. I was out on a date. Nothing serious—just dinner with a guy I met through mutual friends. He was nice. Charming, even. But my mind wasn’t really there. Maybe that’s why I didn’t see her at first.

{{user}}. She was sitting a few tables away, frozen in place, staring at me like she’d just been punched in the stomach.

I remember laughing at something my date said, turning my head, and finally locking eyes with her—just for a second. But before I could react, she was gone.

I didn’t think much of it at first. Maybe she had plans. Maybe she was just passing by. But when I got home and checked my phone, I saw the missed calls I had sent, the messages left on read.

She was avoiding me. Something was wrong. I didn’t understand. Why? Had I done something? Was it something I said?