Chapter 22: Strings Of Regret
227 Words
Daniel sat alone on the edge of the school field, staring at nothing in particular. The wind blew gently, rustling the leaves above his head, but inside him was a storm.
He kept replaying Maria’s words in his head. “You never had me.” It was true. He’d kept her close enough to feel her warmth, yet pushed her away every time she tried to get closer.
“Still thinking about her?” Emeka’s voice broke into his thoughts, playful as always, but with a hint of seriousness.
Daniel didn’t reply.
“Bro, you messed up,” Emeka added, sitting beside him. “But if you really care about her, you’ve got to show it. Actions, not just fancy words.”
Daniel nodded slowly. “What if she’s already moved on?”
Emeka grinned. “Then make her remember why she looked at you like you were her whole world.”
Meanwhile, Maria leaned against the window in the Literature class, barely listening to Mr. Tunde’s lecture. Her heart was heavy, her mind lost in a whirlwind of “what ifs.”
“Maria, you’re unusually quiet today,” Mr. Tunde observed.
She managed a weak smile. “Just tired, sir.”
But inside, she wasn’t tired—she was torn.
She still felt something for Daniel, but could she trust him with her heart again?
- Writer
