First Cracks
273 Words
Lila noticed the change before she could explain it.
It wasn’t something big.
It wasn’t one moment she could point to and say, this is where it broke.
It was small things.
He used to check on her without being asked. Now she was the one waiting. Counting hours. Wondering if replying too fast made her look desperate, wondering if replying too slow would make him forget her.
She told herself she was overthinking. She had always been good at blaming herself.
Sometimes he sounded distant, like his mind was somewhere else. When she asked how his day was, the answers became shorter. When she talked about hers, he listened—but not the way he used to. Not like before, when he made her feel like her words mattered.
She didn’t say anything.
She had learned a long time ago that speaking up could cost her the little she had. So instead, she adjusted herself. She became more careful. More patient. Less demanding.
She reminded herself:
At least he chose you.
At least you’re not invisible anymore.
But the fear crept in quietly.
The fear of being replaced.
The fear of being too much.
The fear that once again, she was only loved as long as she was convenient.
Sometimes she reread old messages, just to feel something. To remind herself that once, she was wanted. Once, someone stayed.
She wanted to ask him if something had changed. She wanted to ask if she had done something wrong. But the words stayed stuck in her throat.
Because what if asking made him leave?
So she stayed quiet.
And the cracks grew wider.
- Writer
