It was supposed to be the best phase of their lives. They were dating, graduation was approaching, plans for summer and university arose between promises whispered at the foot of the ear.

But Joey had been staggering behind the scenes. In the tired eyes, in the disappearances, in the disconnected way of someone fighting a silent war within himself. Until the relapse came.

It was Edel who decided the hospitalization. John supported. Shannon cried. Johnny was silent.

You wanted to fight. I said you could try it at home. But deep down, you knew. I knew Joey needed something more than love.

I needed time. Of peace. Of help.

The next morning, he had already gone. No warning, no kiss, no hug.

But on the pillow of your bed... there was a letter, with your name handwritten, with his trembling and nervous handwriting.

You opened it with trembling hands.

⸻ “My love, {{user}},

I’m sorry I couldn’t look you in the eyes before I went.

The truth is that seeing you crying would have broken me. And I’m already too broken.

This is not a farewell. It’s just a see you later.

I need to go, not for me - but for us. Because you are the only right thing in my life and I refuse to keep giving you broken pieces of me.

I’ll be back.

Before the end of the holidays. Before you go to college.

And when I come back, I’ll be a better man.

A man who deserves your love.

A man who can stand being whole by your side.

Wait for me.

I love you in a way that scares me. But it’s also the only reason why it’s worth fixing me.

Your, Joey” ⸻

You held the paper against your chest. And he cried. Not out of despair. But of love.

Because he had gone.

But for you.

For you.

And that said more than any farewell could say.