Chapter 22: The Meeting in the Garden
480 Words
That afternoon, Amara’s mind was restless during her lecture.
The professor spoke about different literary themes, but Amara barely heard any of it. Her thoughts kept returning to the strange message she had received earlier.
“If you really want to know the truth about Daniel…”
She didn’t know why, but the words made her uneasy.
When the class finally ended, students began leaving the lecture hall. Amara slowly packed her books into her bag, still unsure if she should go to the old campus garden.
Maybe the message was just someone playing a prank.
But what if it wasn’t?
After a moment of hesitation, she stood up and walked outside.
The path to the old campus garden was quiet and less crowded than the main campus areas. Tall trees surrounded the small garden, and a few wooden benches stood under their shade.
When Amara arrived, she looked around.
At first, she didn’t see anyone.
Then she noticed someone standing near one of the benches.
Her heart sank slightly.
It was Emily.
Emily turned when she heard Amara’s footsteps.
“I’m glad you came,” she said.
Amara crossed her arms slightly.
“You sent the message?”
Emily nodded.
“Yes.”
Amara felt a small wave of frustration.
“Why didn’t you just talk to me directly?”
Emily shrugged.
“I wasn’t sure you would listen.”
Amara looked at her carefully.
“What do you want to tell me?”
Emily was quiet for a moment before speaking.
“You deserve to know the truth about Daniel.”
Amara felt her heart beat faster.
“What truth?”
Emily sighed softly.
“Daniel didn’t just stop talking to me because of arguments,” she said.
Amara frowned.
“Then why?”
Emily looked directly at her.
“Because he chose his future over the people who cared about him.”
Amara didn’t understand.
“What does that mean?”
Emily continued.
“Daniel is very ambitious. When he focuses on something, nothing else matters—not even the people close to him.”
She paused before adding,
“That’s what happened between us.”
Amara felt uncertain.
“He already told me about that,” she said.
Emily shook her head.
“No… he didn’t tell you everything.”
Amara’s chest tightened.
“What are you trying to say?”
Emily’s voice became more serious.
“I’m saying that one day, when Daniel has to choose between his dreams and you…”
She looked at Amara with a calm but firm expression.
“You might not be the one he chooses.”
Amara stood there silently.
The quiet garden suddenly felt colder.
She didn’t know if Emily was telling the truth or simply trying to create doubt.
But one thing was certain.
The words Emily had just spoken would be very difficult to forget. 💔📖
- Writer
