Trouble at the Door

Ella paused, a bit stunned by the abrupt end to Henry's call. Truthfully, she wasn't even sure how she would have responded, realizing that despite her usual quick wit, words failed her. Henry had long understood the impossibility of his feelings and had stepped back on his own.

Meanwhile, on the other end, Henry sat on the balcony, staring at the lights flickering in the night, feeling as lost as the cityscape before him. His mother was in prison, his biological father's whereabouts unknown, and the person he cared for most was out of reach. An aching sense of emptiness took hold, making him wonder about the meaning of his life.

With a melancholy expression, he slumped into a chair, the laughter of his classmates drifting from inside. The farewell party hadn't been his idea, but ultimately, he'd agreed just to see her one last time. In a few days, he'd be leaving for Country W, possibly never to return.