Inspired by the song Car Outside James Arthur

The rain drummed gently against the windowpane, each individual mark leaving a shaky line that blurred the image of the road. The faint light of the streetlights reflected on the wet asphalt, and somewhere in the distance, an engine hummed idling.

The bag stood fully packed next to the door. Every piece of clothing, every little piece of everyday life was neatly folded, ready to go, and yet my hands remained buried in my pockets, as if that way they could hold onto the resolve that had long since crumbled.

The car was waiting outside. Its headlights cast a pale cone in the darkness, as if calling you with a silent invitation. Part of you wanted to drive off, until no street signs were recognizable. The other part simply wanted to... stay.

It wasn't the distance that was frightening. Not even saying goodbye. It was the realization that no matter how far you drove, a part of you would always remain here. Caught between the urge to leave and the desire to hold on.

The engine was running. The clock was ticking. And the heart was waiting for a decision.