SUBSIDING SADNESS

"CLAY?"

Clay's brows visibly scrunched up when he heard Aurum's voice over the phone.  It was a bit hoarse.  Like she was holding in her tears and couldn't manage to get it out even if she wanted to.  "Are you alright?" he couldn't help asking.

Aurum, on the other side, was startled when she heard Clay's question.  It was as if he knew what she was feeling right now.  She almost blurted out – 'no, I'm not, I just broke the heart of a very important friend and I'm not sure if our relationship could ever return back to normal'.  But she stopped herself in time.  It's not right to involve him in her emotional problems.  Especially since it wasn't just about her. 

"I'm okay," she said.

Clay had a feeling that Aurum was forcing herself to smile right now.  And he didn't like it.  He didn't like it at all.  She should only smile because she wanted to and not because she was forcing herself.