EUPHORIA

Chapter 7

_Lingering Doubts_

I lay awake in bed, my mind racing with thoughts of Matt. Last week was incredible, especially after our sleepover on Saturday. We had shared our deepest secrets, laughed together, and connected on a level I never thought possible. But now, an unsettling silence has fallen between us. It's been days since we last spoke, and I've barely caught a glimpse of him.

My thoughts begin to wander, conjuring up memories of my past relationship. The one that was supposed to last forever, but ended abruptly when my ex found someone "better." The pain and heartache still linger, making me hesitant to reach out to Matt. I remember the countless nights I spent crying, wondering what I did wrong, and why I wasn't enough.

As I toss and turn, my mind starts to create worst-case scenarios. Is Matt losing interest in me? Did he only see me as a temporary distraction? The doubts creep in, making my heart race with anxiety.

I consider calling him, but my doubts hold me back. Is he busy with work? Is he going through a tough time? I don't want to be a burden or assume he's interested in me romantically. What if he's changed his mind about us?

I try to push the thoughts aside, telling myself I'm overreacting. We had a great time together, and he seemed genuinely interested in me. But the uncertainty lingers, making it hard to shake off the feeling that something is amiss.

I think back to our conversations, trying to recall any hints of hesitation or disinterest. But all I remember is his kind smile, his listening ear, and his gentle touch.

As the night wears on, my anxiety grows. I try to distract myself by reading a book, but my mind keeps wandering back to Matt. I wonder if he's thinking about me too, or if I'm just a distant memory.

I decide to wait, hoping to see him the next morning. Maybe he's just busy, and everything will go back to normal. I try to convince myself that I'm not reading too much into it, that our connection is still strong.

But as I drift off to sleep, my mind whispers a haunting question: "Is he losing interest in me?" The uncertainty lingers, making it hard to shake off the feeling that I'm standing on shaky ground.

the next day...

Samantha sat across from her friend Liliana at the cozy coffee shop, sipping on a latte and trying to appear calm. But her mind was racing with thoughts of Matt. She couldn't understand why he had suddenly stopped responding to her messages and calls. They had shared a deep connection, and she thought they were building something special.

"Hey, girl, what's going on?" Liliana asked, noticing Samantha's distant gaze. "You've been quiet all day."

Samantha sighed and leaned in, feeling a mix of emotions: frustration, sadness, and confusion. "It's Matt. I haven't seen him in weeks. I've called and texted him countless times, but nothing. I even went to his place, but he didn't answer the door."

Liliana's expression turned sympathetic. "What happened? You guys were getting close, right?"

Samantha nodded, taking a deep breath. "We had a sleepover, and it was amazing. We connected on a deep level, and I thought we had something special. We talked about our dreams, our fears, our passions...it felt like we understood each other in a way that no one else ever has."

Liliana's eyes widened. "Wow, that sounds incredible. I'm surprised he just disappeared like that."

Samantha shook her head. "Me too. I thought maybe he was busy or going through a tough time, but the silence is deafening. I've tried reaching out to him in every way possible, but nothing."

Liliana frowned. "That's weird. Did you guys have a fight or something?"

Samantha shook her head again. "No, nothing like that. We just...clicked. And then he vanished."

Liliana reached out and put a hand on Samantha's arm. "Forget about him, Sam. He's clearly not interested. You deserve better than someone who can't even be bothered to respond."

Samantha nodded, trying to convince herself that Liliana was right. But a part of her still held onto the hope that Matt would come around, that he was just busy or going through a tough time.

"I know you're right," Samantha said, forcing a smile. "I just need to move on."

Liliana grinned. "That's the spirit! Let's go out tonight, have some fun, and forget about Mr. Ghost."

Samantha laughed, feeling a small weight lift off her shoulders. Maybe Liliana was right. Maybe it was time to move on and leave Matt in the past. But as she finished her latte and prepared to leave, she couldn't shake off the feeling that a part of her was still holding onto the hope of seeing Matt again.