Between Love and the Abyss

The sun was slowly setting behind the buildings, casting a golden light over the city streets. Mia, lost in her thoughts, walked absentmindedly, avoiding the passersby with the ease of someone used to walking aimlessly for long stretches. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, but she didn’t stop. She already knew who it was. Arthur. He had disappeared again all weekend, as usual, without a word. Part of her still hoped, despite everything, that this time, he would have a valid explanation. But Mia knew, deep down, that this time would be no different from the others. Eloise had repeatedly told her that he wasn’t good for her, that he didn’t deserve her. But she wasn’t ready to listen. Not yet. Arthur was a storm, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, capable of making her feel both incredibly alive and utterly destroyed. Mia suddenly stopped in front of a shop window, not to look at the displayed items, but because her reflection had just caught her by surprise. Tall, with slightly slouched shoulders, she observed her long natural hair falling in spirals around her tired face. Her glasses slipped slightly down her nose, and she adjusted them with a sigh. How had she ended up here? In this place, at this moment in her life, where she felt trapped between a toxic love and the desire for an inner peace she could never find. Arthur had betrayed her again. She was sure of it. And this time, it was Eloise who had uncovered everything. Her friend had hesitated before telling her, but she couldn’t keep silent any longer. In fact, Eloise had been trying for years to open her eyes. 'You’re worth more than this, Mia,' she had said that morning, her gaze filled with compassion and a hint of anger. But Mia, as usual, had avoided the conversation, too scared by the idea of shattering what little illusion she had left. She lifted her eyes from the window and continued walking, determined to go to Eloise’s place. Tonight, she didn’t want to be alone. *** Sitting on Eloise’s couch, a glass of wine in hand, Mia stared into space. Her friend was preparing snacks in the kitchen, talking about her latest artistic project. Eloise, with her long locks and confident aura, always seemed in control. She was a woman who had understood, long ago, what she deserved, and she never let anyone walk all over her. Sometimes, Mia envied her. 'You know he’ll never change, Mia. He’ll keep manipulating you, making you believe he cares, but it’s always the same pattern. He breaks you, you forgive him, and the cycle repeats.' Mia remained silent for a moment, her fingers nervously playing with her glass. Why was it so hard to let go? Every time she tried to walk away, a sort of emptiness took over, pushing her to come back, to start all over again. Arthur had a hold on her that she couldn’t break. 'I know… I know, but I…' The words got stuck in her throat. Eloise returned with a plate of fruit and cheese, sitting down next to her. 'But nothing, Mia. You’re strong, you know that, right? You don’t need him to be happy.' Silence fell between them. Mia knew her friend was right. But how do you free yourself from someone who had deeply embedded themselves into every corner of your mind? It was then that the door suddenly opened, and Jordan walked in, followed by Paulin and Darell. The three men, childhood friends of Eloise, often showed up unannounced. They always joked that Eloise’s apartment was their second home. Jordan, tall and imposing with his well-groomed beard and determined gaze, gave Mia a quick smile before heading into the kitchen. She barely knew him, but his presence always unsettled her. He was everything Arthur wasn’t: calm, measured, and above all, he seemed to know exactly what he wanted in life. Jordan had no time for distractions or mind games. He was a man of convictions, and that confidence was evident in every move he made. While Paulin and Darell engaged in conversation with Eloise, Jordan approached Mia. He looked at her for a few seconds, his gaze seeming to pierce through her mask of distress. 'Are you okay, Mia?' he asked softly. She nodded without a word, unable to hold his intense gaze. But deep down, she knew something had changed. For the first time in a long while, she felt seen, truly seen. Mia felt a shiver run down her spine when Jordan sat on the couch beside her, still silent. The animated voices of Paulin and Darell echoed in the living room, punctuated by Eloise’s bursts of laughter. Yet everything around her seemed blurry, as if time had stopped, focused on the intensity of the moment shared with Jordan.