Ashlyn's POV
Where would I start? How could I explain why I was calling? My thoughts spiraled, a chaotic mix of excitement and fear.
But before I could settle on anything, the ringing stopped. The call to Evan had gone unanswered.
I stood at the bus stop, staring at my phone, the silence on the other end louder than any words could have been. My chest tightened, a mix of relief and disappointment washing over me.
Part of me was glad I didn’t have to face him, and didn't have to stumble through an awkward conversation. But another part of me—a deeper, more vulnerable part—ached for the connection I’d lost, for the chance to talk to him and release all the burden of my heart.
I slipped my phone back into my pocket, my hands still shaking. The unanswered call felt like a metaphor for
