He has an affection for me, and upon reflection, that's the clarity I sought—to confirm I wasn't imagining things. I never expected Max to desire a committed relationship with me, especially when I struggled with commitment myself. That understanding predated my decision to confide in him."I've wanted to share my true feelings with you for a few days now, and I finally have. I won't deceive you; I harbor no expectations. I never did. I grasp that you have principles, just as I do, so I genuinely wish the best for you, Max. I can't be more sincere," I conclude. Max stands a few steps away, and I close the distance, placing a soft, lingering kiss on his cheek, savoring the sound of his breath catching as my lips meet his skin."Goodnight, Max," I murmur before turning to unlock the door and exiting the bathroom, hearing Max's exasperated cry of "God damn it" and the door slamming shut behind me.I don't have much time to dwell on it because as soon as I reenter the bedroom, I find Loga

"After that incident, she became a frequent visitor at the local hospital, offering excuses like 'I fell down the stairs' or 'I didn't see where I was going,'" I mutter again, still struggling to accept the harsh reality, even though I've recounted this story before. "That's the grim reality when you reside in places like Riverdale, Philippines. People are either too terrified or too corrupt to demand the truth, even when a pregnant woman is involved, so they choose to accept whatever story she provides. He eventually dragged my brother into the physical abuse as well, although thankfully not to the extent of sending him to the hospital. But that doesn't mean it hurt my brother any less."I take yet another extended pause, my longest one yet, because once I resume, I don't intend to stop until I've shared the entire tale. Failing to do so...well, I can't even begin to fathom the consequences."When my mom reached her sixth month of pregnancy, he came home in the most intoxicated and d

When Max explains his perspective, I can't help but see the reasoning behind his actions. I know people who regularly use even the most dangerous street drugs but wouldn't struggle for a moment to quit if asked.As a teenager, I quickly learned that the mind and body operate in complex ways. That's just the nature of science—overly intricate and always evolving."I occasionally get high just for the thrill of it, but never to the point of addiction to any substances. I could never do that to Riley, nor to myself. Both of us deserve better than that. That being said," Max says, resting his thumb on my chin for a moment, "I was more than relieved when you explained that you only tried heroin once.""So, then you didn't step out of Drew's Halloween party just because 'Heroine' by Sleeping with Sirens came on?" I ask, and he takes a moment to recall that night."Honestly," he replies, "if I stepped out, it was probably because I got a phone call or something, definitely not because of the

Each person has that one special individual whose hugs hold a unique place in their heart. For me, that person has always been and will forever remain my older brother. Despite the twists and turns life has thrown at us as we've grown, our bond remains as resilient as the roots of an ancient tree—ever-expanding yet profoundly interconnected. From the moment we first crossed paths to the day we draw our last breaths, and even if there exists an afterlife, our fates will forever be intertwined...."If you spin me around any more, you dork, I'll end up spewing all those Sour Patch Kids I devoured during my flight!" I playfully warn him, evoking a chuckle."Brace yourself, mini-me. The 'I missed you' feeling will wear off in about five minutes, and then it's back to our prank war," he teases, finally setting me down with a shared laugh. Then, my hoodie conveniently obscuring my face, he tugs the drawstrings in opposite directions, instantly turning me into a walking, talking marshmallow.

The most enjoyable aspect of waking up in the morning remains an enigma to me."Hey! You should express gratitude for being able to start a new day," Buffy swiftly counters."Yeah, I'd certainly be more 'thankful' if Alex hadn't 'forgotten' to close the blinds again. I'll have my revenge," I mutter.I push the covers aside to find a comfortable position, and that's when my phone chimes twice, indicating two new messages. Rubbing my eyes with my right hand, I reach for my phone on the nightstand with my left hand. With one eye half-open, I don't mind waking up to something like this:Message: Just thought I'd share how my day's been so far:9:10 a.m. - Woke up with a smile because I dreamt of you calling my name.9:35 a.m. - Took a shower while thinking of you, moaning my name.10:00 a.m. - Had breakfast with Riley at a local diner.10:42 a.m. - Returned home, while Riley hung out with friends, I joined a soccer pickup game.11:56 a.m. - Started writing this message for you.11:59 a.m.