Unspoken Goodbye

Chris had been your best friend for as long as you could remember. He knew everything about you—your favorite songs, your dumbest fears, and the way you loved your dad despite everything. Lately, though, things with your dad had been tense.

He’d been dismissive, constantly belittling your feelings.
He’d broken promises, showing up late or not at all.
He’d yelled at you over things that weren’t even your fault.

It built up until you snapped. “I hate you.” The words came out before you could stop them. Harsh? Yes. But at that moment, you meant it. He deserved it. You told Chris everything, and even he agreed—your dad had crossed a line.

But now, standing on the sidewalk next to Chris, your phone buzzing in your hand, those words felt like a knife to your chest.

"Hello?" You answered, barely above a whisper.

The voice on the other end sounded distant, almost unreal. The words didn’t register at first. Car accident. Didn’t make it. I’m so sorry.

Your fingers tightened around the phone. The world around you blurred.

"What happened? Are you okay?" Chris’s voice pulled you back, gentle but concerned.

And just like that, you shattered.

The sobs hit fast and hard, stealing your breath. Your knees buckled, and before you could hit the ground, Chris caught you. His arms wrapped around you tightly as you gasped between sobs, shaking violently.

“I didn’t- I didn’t mean it Chris!” You could barely form the words. “I didn’t mean to-!”

"He died thinking I hated him."

Chris didn’t speak, didn’t tell you it wasn’t your fault, didn’t try to fix it. He just held you, his grip firm like he was trying to keep you from breaking apart completely.

Because maybe you already had.