Before And After Goodbye Novels & Stories

As they pulled away, their foreheads touching, a sense of peace enveloped them. The weight of the past seemed to fade into insignificance as they embraced the present, united in their shared understanding and commitment. After their heartfelt exchange and tender goodbye, Nora bid Merrick goodnight and exited the car. She waved to him, a smile still lingering on her lips, as Merrick zoomed off into the night. Nora made her way into the house, the warmth of her home embracing her.

Tamara crossed her ruined garden, but felt no sadness. Like the arrival of spring and the melting of snow, this was goodbye.

There was no point arguing with them about it. Back in my room, I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes. Soon, it would be time for my engagement ceremony with Nolan. After that, I would leave with him and say goodbye to these people for good.

Still, I accepted the card and lowered my eyes, feigning sorrow. “Then I wish Angela and Ben well.” Satisfied with her little act of humiliation, Greta finally left, looking pleased with herself. --- I showed up at Angela’s engagement that day, my crew from work right there with me. At the reception desk, where the guests handed in their wedding gifts, we submitted something else—over a dozen resignation letters, neatly stacked together. Every head in the hall turned toward us. After laying down our letters, we turned and walked away without setting foot into the hotel.

Lucas watched them, a shell of himself, as I laid the divorce papers before him again. "Sign these soon, then we'll pick a date to make it official." His voice shook. "This is our home. Where will you go? I can't bear to lose you, I was wrong, I ignored you..." His words washed over me, leaving no mark as I wheeled my suitcase out the door. "Harriet, I love you. I can't stand to be apart from you..." Lucas was a mess, tears choking his words. The lead mover shot us a sympathetic look before hurrying off to his truck.

"That’s what makes it so hard to watch." Arthur returned a minute later, carrying a steaming mug. He set it down carefully in front of her, watching her face to see if the steam bothered her breathing. Evelyn took a small sip, the warmth of the honey soothing her throat. She gave him a tiny, reassuring smile, and for a moment, the ghost of the corporate battle faded into the background, leaving only the quiet sound of the rain against the glass.

They look at each other, a sad understanding passing between them. "Come on," Adrian says, his voice rough. "I’ll walk you out." They move to the door. Adrian opens it, stepping into the hallway with Brian. They hug again, a final squeeze of hands against backs, before Brian pulls away and offers a wave. "Goodbye, Adrian." "Bye, Brian."

"Goodbye, Nathan." "Bye, Daniel."

Again. I fucking hate that he didn’t even bid goodbye to me. He said thank you, yes. He gave his “wholehearted” gratitude in front of my face. But can he also do that the moment he leaves? Goodbye is just two syllables, that’s just so easy to be uttered. Or he can even wave a hand to me. Anyway, what’s done is done. What happened has already happened, time only runs forward. Never backward.