9# Doubts and Distance
493 Words
Emily spent the rest of the day trying to shake off Lena’s words, but they clung to her like shadows. No matter how much she wanted to believe in what she and Jack had, a small voice in her head whispered: What if she’s right?
When Jack called that evening, she hesitated before answering.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said, his voice warm and full of affection. “What have you been up to today?”
Emily forced a smile, even though he couldn’t see it. “Just… exploring the city.”
Jack hesitated, as if sensing something was off. “Everything okay?”
She wanted to tell him. To tell him about Lena, about the doubts creeping in. But instead, she said, “Yeah. Just a little tired.”
Jack sighed. “I wish I could see you tonight. I have a press event, but after that, maybe we can talk?”
Emily swallowed the lump in her throat. A press event. Another reminder that his life was nothing like hers.
“That sounds nice,” she said, even though she wasn’t sure if she meant it.
---
That night, Emily made the mistake of checking social media.
Jack’s name was trending, and so was Lena’s. Photos of them at the press event filled her screen—Lena in a stunning gown, Jack beside her, smiling for the cameras. They looked perfect together, like they belonged in the same world.
Her heart clenched as she scrolled through the comments.
“Jack and Lena are such a power couple!”
“They need to admit they’re dating already.”
“Jack deserves someone on his level, not some nobody.”
Emily shut her phone off, her hands shaking. Was this what her life would be if she stayed with Jack? Constantly feeling like an outsider, like she didn’t belong?
She needed space.
---
The next morning, Emily texted Jack.
Emily: Hey, I think I need some time to clear my head. I’ll talk to you soon.
His reply came almost instantly.
Jack: What’s wrong? Did something happen?
Emily: No, I just need to think. Please understand.
There was a pause before his next message.
Jack: I don’t understand, but if this is what you need, I won’t push. Just… don’t shut me out completely, okay?
Emily stared at his words, her heart aching.
Emily: I won’t. I promise.
She didn’t know if she was lying.
---
For the next few days, she avoided her phone. She buried herself in her sketches, tried to focus on anything but Jack. But nothing worked. Everywhere she turned, there was something to remind her of him—the song playing at the café, the headlines on the news, even the way the city lights flickered at night.
She missed him.
But missing him didn’t change the fact that their worlds were miles apart.
And she wasn’t sure if love alone was enough to bridge that distance.
---
- Writer
