Chapter 16
1009 Words
There was a shift in her mood when she returned that evening. It was strange and nothing close to what I expected. And then, she walked out on me as though she couldn’t stand my sight. That was where I felt my heart shattering into tiny bits. Usually, I’ve nursed the fear that arose from thoughts of waking up one day and realizing that the love she had for me had fizzled away. At this, it dawned on me that it might be happening already. I had promised myself that if something like that happens, I would give her some space for herself rather than choke her with pleas. I returned to my room later that evening with a heavy heart. Again, I tried so hard to think of what I might have done, but not a single thing came to mind. Did she just change her mind when she went out? Did she meet someone? Did she hear something? These were the different questions that troubled me. Maya was elated right before she left. We shared a kiss, and she even winked at me softly. How was it possible she came back with a look that suggested so much hate and disdain? I tried so hard to get some sleep, but then, my eyes were focused on the door and the clock. I couldn’t wait for the morning to come because I wanted to meet her and find out what had gone wrong. Apart from that, I figured out that she might have experienced a mood switch which would get better once she wakes from sleep. I didn’t sleep until midnight and even in my sleep, I kept seeing images of Maya’s fierce face. My sleep was troubled the entire night. Around a.m., I finally stirred and woke up, silently curbing myself for waking up that late. I had planned to head over to her room as early as 6:am. But then, I woke up late. The minute I strolled towards the hallway that led to her room, I could tell that something was wrong. The atmosphere was suddenly cold, sending shivers down my spine and making me frightened. The room to her door was slightly open, a major indication that she had left the room. It was strange because this was just 8 in the morning.“Maya!” I called out, with a racy heart and uneven breath. There was no response. This increased the panic. I already feel in the depths of my heart. Walking into the room, it finally dawned on me that May had left already. Her closet was void of clothes and her things. On the table was a small note and a pen. It had something scribbled on and I could tell that it was written for me.“Daniel, knowing you has been a rollercoaster of emotions. I was able to stand through all of that, but the one thing I detest is hiding something as crucial as murder away from me. I found out already, and I’m gon, forever. Furthermore, I’ve ended things with you like we had never had anything at first. Have a great life”.I read the letter over and over again, wishing that my eyes were only deceiving me. But no, I wasn’t…The letter was a major indication that Maya had gone and didn’t want to seem again. Murder?A thousand thoughts crossed my mind as I sank into the bed, trying to hold the tears that welled up in my eyes. It was not a mood switch or anything like that…She had heard something when she went out for shopping, and she didn’t deem it fit to hear my side of the story without concluding. I sighed deeply as a cloud of sadness engulfed my entire being. I was super exhausted, and despite how much I made to shove it aside, I couldn’t help it. I wanted to talk to her, even if it was for one last time. At this, I rushed into my room, grabbed my key, and ran over to my garage. I revved up the car engine and swiftly made my way to Maya’s old apartment. That was my first reflex when I tried to think of where she might have gone. I parked the car by the driveway and briskly walked over to the door. To my utmost shock and dismay, she was not there. A neighbor even said that she hasn't returned for the past seven months…
“What the hell! Where could she have gone?” I asked myself silently, beginning to feel guilty for not telling her that part of my life and everything that had happened. I searched through the city and didn’t fail to check her favorite eateries and hangouts of my spots. Still, I didn’t catch sight of her. A week passed and there was no sign of Maya. I knew that I had to do more if I wanted to figure out where she lived and so, I contacted an investigator and paid him handsomely for help in finding Maya’s present location. It didn’t take long before he figured out that and returned with a short address on a piece of paper. It was located at the outskirts of the city… a perfect place to hide from every single person you knew. The next day, I set out to find Maya. I wanted to tell her how sorry I was for not telling her the story behind the murder. I wanted to let her know how hard living without her was and how I never wanted to think of a life without her. I arrived after driving for three hours and met a small but beautiful house. I could feel anxiety building in as I took slow strides towards the entrance. The last thing I wanted was rejection because I had no idea of how best to recover from one. After taking in a very deep breath, I knocked on the door, holding in my breath and trying to hold my stance.
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