You’re sitting on your bed, phone face down next to you. Months have passed since you last heard from Carlos, and you’ve promised yourself you wouldn’t let him hurt you again. The room is quiet, but suddenly your phone buzzes. His name flashes across the screen.

“Hey… I know it’s been a while. I just… I don’t know, wanted to talk,” the message reads.

You stare at it. Every word drags you back to the nights you fixed his problems, stayed up for him, gave him more care than he ever gave you. And now, he’s back, like nothing ever happened, expecting everything to be easy.

You let out a bitter laugh and type your reply carefully, each word sharp and measured :

“You know, I was always there when things went wrong. But you broke me first. So save your excuses.”

You wait, watching the screen, and then the phone rings. His name again. You take a deep breath, steady yourself, and swipe to answer.

There’s a pause on the other end. Then he starts, unsure, “I… I didn’t mean—”