The Distance Between Us

The soft crackling of the bonfire mirrored the quiet tension between Kael and Selene. Lyra and Damian sat around the fire with them, but the warmth of their company could only mask the growing coldness between the two former lovers for so long. Kael had been avoiding direct conversation since their brief exchange earlier, and Selene could feel the weight of his unspoken words pressing on her with each passing moment.

Her heart ached to bridge the gap between them, but she knew she couldn't simply erase the years of hurt with an apology. 

Flashback

Selene was seventeen the night she decided to leave. It had been one of those perfect evenings, Kael had taken her out for dinner to celebrate their anniversary. They had laughed, talked about their future, and she had smiled at him the entire night. But inside, a restlessness churned in her chest.

As they stood by the car, Kael turned to her, his face alight with love. "Selene, I have something to ask you."

He was nervous, fidgeting with the small box in his pocket. Her heart dropped.

"You're my everything," Kael said, stepping closer, "and I can't imagine my life without you. I've been thinking about our future, and…"

Selene's chest tightened, the walls around her heart closing in. She knew what was coming.

"Kael," she interrupted softly, placing her hand on his arm. "I… I need to think about things."

He froze, confusion flashing across his face. "Think about what?"

"I—" Selene faltered, words catching in her throat. "I don't know if I can stay here. I don't know if I can be everything you need."

Kael's face paled. "What are you talking about? We've always planned this. Together."

She shook her head, tears pricking at her eyes. "I know, but… something doesn't feel right anymore."

His heart broke in that moment, but he didn't say a word. He simply stared at her, as if waiting for her to change her mind.

She never did.