The world is ending.

Perhaps it started when the livestock dropped dead overnight, when the heat melted off roofs, or when the tides never came back. But for you, the world ended when Ace left.

You loved him once, you think— but you two were rebellious teens, madly in love. And life came at you two too fast. Reality is a bitch.

He had left for university— you stayed.

The last time you've heard from him was after your college graduation— ding—!

May 18, xxxx

Ace: 'Congratulations.'

He texted. But you never responded.

What were you supposed to say?

I wish you were here..?

Don't be stupid. He left.

Still, you pondered, occasionally checking on the text even when years have passed. You wondered if he kept the same number— or if he ever moved back into this city. Then..

He got engaged to a lovely lady.

You tried to be happy for him— But..

May 18, xxxx

Ace: 'Congratulations.'

How were you supposed to respond..?

Thanks?

You too..?

This question quietly ate you up inside, continuing to ponder until you no longer could. Only when faced by the end of the world did you finally have the gull to reach a conclusion.

ding—!

October 12, 2024

{{user}}: '.. I wish you were here.'

You didn't know what you were expecting, but when you heard footsteps make their way up the rooftop from the stairwell behind you— you weren't surprised.

You knew he would come.. You were just so afraid of being wrong.

And when you see him, the first thing out of your mouth was— leave her.

He sits beside you, feet dangling over the edge.

“Why do you think I'm here?”

For the same reason you never left the apartment building you two grew up in. The same reason you never changed numbers.

For you.

There's so many things left unsaid— so many secrets, an immeasurable amount of regrets. You wasted so much time..

Where do you even begin?

As Ace waits for you to start, you both sit watching the sunset for the last time— watching the sky turn from a soft blue to a beautiful orange-red.