Fragile Peace

[BRIAN]

I stood outside of Val’s bedroom, hesitant to enter. It had been months since I had last stepped foot in this room, but today something drew me here, something I couldn’t quite explain. I took a deep breath and pushed open the door, revealing a flood of memories that hit me like a ton of bricks. The room was just as she had left it, with her favorite posters and knick-knacks scattered about. My eyes landed on her bed, neatly made and untouched since the day she passed away.

I couldn’t help but think of all the times Val and I had spent in this room, laughing and joking around. She had been my whole world, and losing her had left a hole in my heart that nothing could fill. But being in her room again brought back a sense of comfort, like I was able to be close to her again.

As I walked around the room, I noticed that not a single thing had been moved or altered. It was as if time had stopped on the day Val had left. Her books were still stacked neatly on her bedside table, her