Old Wounds That Still Bleed

Daryl’s apartment was silent now, with only the ticking of the clock filling the room. After throwing his phone against the wall, he slumped onto the floor. His head leaned back against the wall, his breath heavy. His eyes stared blankly at the ceiling. His heart felt like it was being torn apart.

“Why did you leave me again, Cheesy…” he whispered under his breath.

Then Daryl’s thoughts began to drift—back to six years ago. The day his life fell apart. The day everything changed.

Six Years Ago

The campus was lively that day. Daryl and Cheesy’s classmates had gathered at the garden behind the faculty building—their usual spot for birthday celebrations or casual hangouts.

Daryl clutched a small box containing a simple ring. His palms were slightly sweaty, but his smile was wide. Today marked exactly two years of their relationship. He planned to propose to Cheesy—symbolically—as a sign of his commitment.

“Daryl, are you sure you want to propose to Cheesy in front of everyone like this?” asked his best friend.

Daryl nodded. “I’m serious. I know I can’t give her much right now. But I promise, one day, she won’t regret choosing me.”

His friend gave a half-smile. “Be careful with dreams, Dar. Sometimes love just isn’t enough.”

Suddenly, the crowd stirred. Cheesy had arrived—wearing a simple white dress, her long hair half tied back. But her expression was cold. Not the warm smile Daryl was used to seeing.

Daryl stepped forward. “Cheesy, you came. I thought you—”

“I have something to announce,” Cheesy cut him off, her voice loud and clear. All eyes turned toward her.

Daryl looked confused. “What do you mean?”

Cheesy glanced around, then locked eyes with Daryl. “Starting today, I’m ending our relationship.”

Silence. Daryl froze.

“I also have one more thing to say,” she continued, her voice still flat. “I’m getting engaged to Maxim Andara next week.”

Boom.

Daryl’s world crumbled instantly. The ring box slipped from his hands and hit the ground.

“Cheesy… are you serious?” His voice cracked like it was caught in his throat.

Cheesy gave a small nod. “Yes. Maxim can give me a future. Something you can’t offer.”

“But… we’ve been together for two years. We promised we’d go through everything together, remember?” Daryl’s voice grew desperate. “You said you didn’t care about my background. You said trust was all that mattered.”

Cheesy shook her head. “I changed my mind.”

“Don’t do this, Cheesy. Please,” Daryl begged, dropping to his knees. His tears fell without him realizing. “Am I really that worthless to you? So worthless that you could just walk away like this?”

Cheesy avoided his gaze. “I can’t live in poverty, Daryl. I’m not used to a hard life. And you… you’re not the right man for me.”

The entire garden was silent. No one dared to speak.

Daryl slowly stood up, his eyes red. “I will never forget this day. The day you broke my heart in front of everyone.”

Cheesy gave him one last glance. “I’m sorry.”

Then she walked away. Without looking back.

Back to the Present

Daryl looked up, his eyes wet. His fists clenched.

“Six years, Cheesy… I’ve spent all this time proving to you I’m not that weak. I made it. I can give you anything now,” he murmured. “But I’m sorry—I’ll never give you my love again. I want you by my side only to make you suffer, Cheesy.”

His mind raced, trying to piece everything together.

Then Cheesy’s words from earlier that day echoed in his head. He remembered how thin she looked, how pale her face was. Panic began to set in.

“I don’t care that you left me back then, Cheesy. But if you’re in danger now… I’ll find you. I’ll track you down. And this time… I won’t let you go again.”

Daryl grabbed his jacket and ran out of the apartment. His face was tense. But this time, it wasn’t anger.

It was fear—fear of losing Cheesy again.

“Cheesy, I’m not done making you pay. So don’t even think about escaping me!”