Turbulent Skies

The hum of the plane's engines filled the cabin, a low, steady sound that seemed to mock the storm inside me. My forehead rested against the cold window, tears streaming silently down my cheeks. The sky outside was a dull gray, matching the heaviness in my chest.

I felt hot, feverish, but it didn't matter. Nothing mattered.

How could he do this to me? How could he look at me, smile at me, hold my hand... kiss me, all while being engaged to someone else?

A fresh wave of tears spilled over, blurring my vision as my mind replayed every moment, every word, every touch. It had all been a lie. A perfect, flawless lie.

"Ava," Dad's voice was soft, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts. He shifted in his seat beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me close.

I didn't resist, leaning into him as the sobs shook my body. "I... I don't understand," I choked out. "He... he made it feel so real. Like he actually loved me."

Dad's hand gently stroked my hair, his voice steady and soothing. "Sweetheart, I know it hurts. But you need to take care of yourself right now. Here."

He held out a pill and a bottle of water, his eyes filled with concern. "Take this. It'll help with the fever."

I stared at the pill, my hands trembling. "I can't... I can't stop thinking about him," I whispered, my voice breaking.

"I know," he said gently, pressing the water bottle into my hand. "But you need to rest. Please, Ava. For me."

With a shaky nod, I swallowed the pill, the cool water doing little to soothe the burning ache in my throat. Dad adjusted the blanket over my shoulders, holding me close as I closed my eyes.

But sleep didn't come easily.

Even as exhaustion tugged at my body, tears continued to slip down my cheeks. "Liam," I whispered, the name slipping out like a prayer, a plea.

Dad tightened his hold on me, his presence a small comfort against the overwhelming pain. Eventually, the fever and fatigue won, and I drifted off, my heart still aching, tears still falling.

Even in sleep, I couldn't escape. His name lingered on my lips, the pain following me into my dreams.