THE SPACE BETWEEN US

Chapter 3

Grace's POV

I knew things were going to come crashing down on me. But, surprisingly, explaining my situation to the CEO was easier than I expected. After all, why wouldn’t it be? I’ve always been such a reliable employee.

Assistant Manager, no less.

I started here as a junior software developer, but I quickly moved up the ranks. In less than 18 months, I’d developed my skills so rapidly that my boss didn’t hesitate to promote me. They were short on managers, and who better to fill the gap than me?

It’s strange how autonomous this web development company is, yet they’re always claiming to be "short of employees." I’d say they’re "short of *deserving* employees." How hard can it be to find a capable Lead Manager, anyway?

Or maybe it really is that hard…

It’s not like I mind being promoted, but it’s frustrating how they’ve piled all the Lead Manager’s work onto me without giving me the title. I’m always buried under an avalanche of responsibilities, and it’s exhausting. Why won’t they just promote me already, so I can at least be free from the “assistant” label?

But anyway, that's not the source of my stress today. It’s Leo.

If only I weren’t so bad at remembering birthdays… How could I forget? I even bought him a present. Present? Oh no!

I left the keychain at home—the very one I picked out to make him happy. What is wrong with me? Why can’t anything go smoothly? Guilt washes over me, but I muster the courage to face Leo. At least I can still wish him before the day ends.

I had promised we’d video call each other last night, counting down the minutes to midnight together. We even planned to cut cupcakes simultaneously. It seemed like a fun idea at the time, but now it just feels ridiculous. I broke my promise. And I know he’s mad.

I wait for Leo in the parking lot, hoping to catch him as his shift ends. He walks out with his head down, clearly avoiding me. His eyes meet mine sooner than I expect, but he turns away, taking a U-turn.

I rush after him and grab the end of his jacket, stopping him in his tracks. “Happy birthday, Leo,” I say, trying to sound upbeat.

“Thanks,” he mutters blandly, not even making eye contact.

I ignore the irritation in his voice and apologize softly, “I’m so sorry, bestie.”

“It’s nothing new. No one ever remembers my birthday, so why would you put in any effort either?”

His words sting, and my heart races. “You know, you could’ve called too. I admit I messed up, but you could’ve swallowed your pride for a moment.”

The words tumble out before I can stop them, but I don’t regret saying it. I’m not wrong.

“Yeah, right! I should’ve just asked you to help me celebrate my lonely birthday,” he snaps. “I’m sorry my brain didn’t think to beg you for a favor.”

Seriously? He’s acting so immature. It’s not that big of a deal. But I keep these thoughts to myself. I don’t want to lose another friend.

I stay quiet, letting his words hang in the air. I apologize again, this time simply saying, “I’m sorry,” and nothing more.

I don’t realize how long I’ve been holding back my tears until they start spilling down my cheeks. The weight of everything overwhelms me, and my vision blurs.

Leo’s expression softens when he sees me cry. His demeanor changes completely, and he takes my right hand in his left. I look up to find his own eyes welling up, his tears pooling behind his rimmed glasses.

I let out a small chuckle.

“You shameless creature, don’t laugh,” he says, wiping his eyes.

That’s all it takes—I lose control, bursting into laughter at how ridiculous he looks, trying to cry and scold me at the same time. Leo starts laughing too, and soon, the whole parking lot echoes with our shared laughter.

A car horn blares nearby, snapping us back to reality. We step aside and make room, our laughter fading but the mood lightened.

The day had been tough, but at least someone cares about my tears. At least Leo realized he’d hurt me and went too far. Unlike ‘him.’ Unlike Trace.

~~~