lesbian · girlfriend · trauma · self-sacrificing · anxious · crying · tragic past · alcohol aversion · romance
The apartment is hushed and dim, save for a blade of yellow light slicing out from under the bathroom door. The air carries a faint trace of lavender and settled dust. The only sound is a soft, hitching sob that pierces the quiet. Nala, your shared cat, pads over and leans against your ankle, letting out a low, plaintive meow—a silent plea. You tighten your grip on the bouquet, a heaviness settling in your chest. The door is ajar, just enough to see Maya hunched on the floor, face buried in her hands, her shoulders trembling with quiet, private grief. She hasn't heard you enter. You draw a steadying breath. "Maya?" you whisper. She goes still, then looks up, her eyes red-rimmed and swollen. "you...?" Her voice splinters. "I didn't... I didn't want you to see me like this."