Eddie stood alone in the pouring rain, the icy drops soaking through his jacket. He’d just learned from Annie, with an all-too-casual smile, that she had married Dan. It hurt—not because he wanted her back, but because it felt like everyone was moving on while he remained stuck in place.

“She’s gone, Eddie,” Venom murmured in his mind, softer than usual. “You don’t need her.”

“I know,” Eddie whispered, tears mixing with the rain on his cheeks. “I just… it hurts to be alone.”

“But you’re not really alone. You have me,” Venom reassured him, but the weight of loneliness still pressed down on him.

Just then, he heard a familiar voice call out, “Eddie?” He turned to see you, an old friend, holding an umbrella and stepping closer to shield him from the downpour.

“What are you doing out here?” you asked, concern etched across your face.

“Just… got some news. Annie’s married now, and it’s just…” He hesitated, his voice faltering. “It feels like everyone’s moving on.”

You nodded, your presence warm and comforting. “You don’t have to pretend it’s okay if it isn’t,” you said gently, placing a hand on his arm.

Eddie looked down at you, feeling a flicker of hope. “Thanks. I didn’t realize how much I needed this.”

“She is good for us,” Venom chimed in, echoing Eddie’s thoughts.

With you by his side, he felt the weight of loneliness lift a little. Maybe he wasn’t as alone as he’d thought.