Page 5 of Say You'll Stay

An avalanche of notifications greets me, each one a tiny dagger reminding me of the life I’ve lost. Two weeks have passed in a sluggish, agonizing drip, each day marked by a relentless parade of images across social media - picture after picture of June, his arm wrapped around the waist of his picture-perfect companion.

I scroll through the feed, my heart clenching at the sight of his smile, the way he looks so at ease in this new world he inhabits. They’re the epitome of a power couple, their designer outfits and flawless smiles a testament to the life I no longer have a place in.

The ache in my chest intensifies, a throbbing that’s become my constant companion these past weeks. I close my eyes, taking a deep breath, willing the pain away, but it’s futile. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, mingling with the faint aroma of vanilla and cinnamon from my dresser - a sensory cocktail that does nothing to soothe the turmoil within.

A sudden burst of energy breaks through my melancholic reverie as Sonya bounds into the room, her vibrant presence a welcome intrusion. “Rise and shine, sleepyhead!” she chirps, her voice far too chipper for this ungodly hour.

Sonya perches on the edge of the bed, her bright eyes taking in my disheveled state. I groan, pulling the covers up over my head in a futile attempt to block out the world. “Go away, Sonya. I’m not in the mood.”

But my sister is nothing if not persistent. She tugs at the blankets, her laughter filling the room. “Come on, Cara. You can’t stay cooped up in here forever. We’re going out, and that’s final.”

I peek out from under the covers, my brow furrowed. “Out? Where?”

Sonya’s grin widens, a mischievous glint in her eye. “It’s a surprise. But trust me, you’ll love it.” I hesitate, the temptation to sink back into my cocoon of misery almost overwhelming.

Yet, as I meet Sonya’s gaze, I see the love and concern etched into her features. She’s been my rock these past weeks, my anchor in the stormy sea of heartbreak. With a reluctant sigh, I sit up, running a hand through my tangled hair. “Fine. But I’m not promising to be good company.”

Sonya’s smile grows even wider, a silent victory. “That’s my girl. Now get your butt out of bed and get ready. We’ve got a day to seize!”

An hour later, we’re settled into a cozy corner of our favorite coffee shop, the rich aroma of freshly ground beans enveloping us like a warm hug. Sonya cradles her oversized mug, her eyes fixed on her phone as she scrolls through her social media feed.

I take a sip of my own coffee, the smooth, slightly bitter flavor gliding over my tongue. It’s a small comfort, but one I cling to in the midst of my emotional turmoil. “Ugh, look at this,” Sonya says, her nose wrinkling in distaste as she holds out her phone to me.

I lean forward, my stomach clenching at the sight of June and his new girlfriend at some charity gala. They look like they belong on the cover of a magazine, all polished smiles and perfect poise.

“They’re really milking this whole ‘power couple’ thing, aren’t they?” Sonya scoffs, her fingers tapping angrily against the screen.

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant even as my heart twists painfully in my chest. “I guess that’s what’s expected of them. The Deveaux heir and his socialite girlfriend.”

Sonya’s gaze softens as she takes in my expression. “Cara, you know that’s not what really matters, right? What you and June had… that was real. This?” She gestures to the phone. “This is just a show.”

I nod, swallowing past the lump in my throat. “I know. But it doesn’t make it hurt any less.”

Sonya reaches across the table, her hand finding mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I know, sis. But you’re stronger than this. You’re going to get through it, and I’ll be right here beside you every step of the way.”

Her words wrap around me like a warm blanket, a momentary respite from the chill that seems to have taken up permanent residence in my bones. “Thanks, Sonya. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She grins, the sparkle returning to her eyes. “You’d probably be drowning your sorrows in a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and binge-watching rom-coms.”

I laugh, the sound rusty and foreign to my own ears. “Probably.”

As we finish our coffee and head out into the bustling city streets, I feel a flicker of something like hope burning in my chest. It’s small, barely an ember, but it’s there. A reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always a glimmer of light.

Back in the sanctuary of my studio, I lose myself in the familiar rhythm of creation. The scratch of pencil against paper, the soft whisper of a brush laden with paint - these are the sounds that fill the space, drowning out the noise of the world outside.

I pour my heart onto the pages, crafting worlds where love always triumphs, and happily-ever-afters are guaranteed. It’s a fantasy, I know, but it’s one I cling to. A lifeline in the sea of my own shattered dreams.

The hours slip by, the sun dipping below the horizon and casting the room in a soft, golden glow. I lean back, surveying the work spread out before me. It’s raw, imperfect, but it’s mine. A tangible expression of the emotions swirling inside me.

My phone buzzes, breaking the spell. I glance at the screen, my heart skipping a beat as I see the notification. An email from one of the animation studios I applied to, the one I’ve been dreaming of working for since I first picked up a pencil.

With trembling fingers, I open the message, my eyes scanning the words. “Dear Ms. Briers, we were impressed by your portfolio and would like to invite you for an interview…”

I read it again, hardly daring to believe it. They want to meet me. They think I have potential.

A grin spreads across my face, the first genuine smile I’ve felt in weeks. I jump to my feet, a burst of energy coursing through my veins. “Sonya!” I yell, my voice echoing through the apartment. “Sonya, you won’t believe it!”

She appears in the doorway, her eyes wide with concern. “What is it? What happened?”

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