The Fear of Losing You
The Fear of Losing You
Sophie’s back pressed hard against the wall, her chest rising and falling in uneven bursts. Her heart thudded wildly, tangled in fear, awe, and pity.
She replayed the look in Talia’s eyes a moment ago the rage, the pain. It was nothing Sophie had ever seen before. It wasn’t just anger. It was brokenness, raw and sharp. It was the feeling of losing what you longed for all your life.
Her trembling fingers drifted to her aching throat, brushing the spot where Talia’s hand had gripped her. She turned toward the small TV screen in the living room and caught her reflection. A faint red mark circled her neck. The ghost of Talia’s grip lingered painful, chilling.
“How great it would have been,” she whispered, massaging the spot gently, “if this was a hickey instead.” A small smile tugged her lips, despite the ache.
Her gaze shifted, landing on the wall Talia had struck.
A jagged crack spread from the point of impact, spiderwebbing across the plaster. Blood streaked faintly along the surface where Talia’s knuckles had hit the wall . Sophie’s breath caught. A whisper slipped out before she could stop it.
“What if… that punch had landed on me instead?”
The thought burrowed in deep, leaving her shaken. She shook her head quickly, trying to dismiss it. “Then I might’ve been in the hospital by now.”
Her eyes returned to the blood on the wall, and her chest tightened.
She turned and went into her small room, grab a few things from the table her bag, a scarf, and the little cash on the bed. Her fingers fumbled as she pulled the scarf over her head, covering her face. Without another glance back, she slipped quietly through the door.
The hinges creaked softly as she stepped into the blazing noon sun.
……..
Inside, Talia leaned against her bedroom door, knuckles throbbing, chest burning with shame. She slid down until she was half-sitting on the floor, fists trembling and bleeding. The sting of her cuts, the slow drip of blood none of it mattered compared to the storm inside her.
Why did I lose control? Why didn’t I keep it in, like I always did? Did I make her afraid of me now? Is she crying alone in her room ?
For long minutes she stayed there, trying to breathe, trying to calm the fire clawing at her throat. Finally, she pushed herself up and began pacing .
Should I tell her I’m sorry? But it wasn’t my fault… she started it, she called me names first. But I got too angry . She muttered aloud, answering her own thoughts as she walked back and forth.
Finally, she braced herself.” I’ll just say sorry yes just sorry e wn though it’s not my fault “ she said as pushed the door opened , stepping into the sitting room. But it was Empty.
“Maybe she’s in her room,” Talia whispered to herself. “Or… maybe crying alone .” She stood outside Sophie’s door and knocked once. No reply. She knocked again, harder. Still silence. On the third try, she pushed the door open
The room was empty.
Her chest squeezed tight. “Mira?” she called, scanning the shadows. No reply.
She glanced at the bathroom. The door stood wide open. No one was there.
Panic surged.
“Mira!” Her voice cracked as it echoed into the scorching sun outside, trembling with fear.
Did she leave? Did those after her life find her already? What if they killed her because I wasn’t there to protect her?
Her mind spun, guilt pressing so heavy she could barely breathe. It’s my fault. I was too harsh. I scared her, I screamed at her , I pushed her away. I shouldn’t have screamed at her like that.
“Mira!” she screamed again, louder than before, stumbling forward, searching, and cursing herself under her breath.
And then…..
A pair of arms slipped around her waist from behind, holding her tight.
Talia froze. Slowly, she peeled the hands away and turned. Her whole body trembled when her eyes fell on Sophie.
Relief crashed over her in waves. She gripped Sophie’s arms, desperate, then pulled her into a fierce embrace, holding her as if she might vanish if she let go.
“I thought…” Her voice broke, raw and trembling. “I thought something happened to you. I thought you left.”
Sophie only hugged her tighter, pressing her face into Talia’s shoulder. Her silence was steady, grounding an anchor against Talia’s storm.
Talia’s throat burned, her chest tight. For the first time in years, she let the walls around her crack, clinging to Sophie like the only thing keeping her from falling apart.