Episode 9: Distance Grows
296 Words
Over the following weeks, Ethan threw himself into his studies. Early mornings in the library, late nights in the engineering lab—his focus had returned with an intensity he hadn’t felt in months.
Sophia noticed the change immediately. Their lunch dates grew infrequent, their long conversations replaced by hurried greetings in passing. At first, she tried to bridge the gap, texting him about her day and inviting him to group outings. But Ethan’s responses were brief, his excuses piling up.
One afternoon, she caught him leaving the library, his backpack slung over one shoulder and a weary look on his face.
“Ethan!” she called, jogging to catch up with him. “You’ve been a ghost lately.”
“I’ve been busy,” he said, avoiding her gaze.
“I get that, but we all need a break sometimes,” she said, her tone tinged with frustration. “You don’t have to shut everyone out.”
Ethan stopped and sighed. “Sophia, I can’t afford to fail. My family... they’re counting on me. I’ve been distracted, and I need to fix that.”
Sophia crossed her arms, hurt flashing across her face. “So, what? I’m just a distraction now?”
“That’s not what I meant,” he said quickly, but the damage was done.
Sophia stepped back, her voice soft but firm. “You’re not the only one with dreams, Ethan. Don’t forget that.”
She walked away, leaving Ethan standing alone in the courtyard, her words echoing in his mind.
That night, as he stared at the pile of assignments on his desk, a hollow ache settled in his chest. He was regaining control of his academics, but the growing distance between him and Sophia was a price he hadn’t anticipated.
- Writer
