The Thing That Wouldn't Leave Novels & Stories

Something permanent. My mother was going to leave us behind.

I was somewhat good at it, and almost won most the rounds. When it came time for everyone to leave, my beast was sad to see them go. She knew that the night was practically a goodbye party. I was sure everyone knew I was going to leave Takiani. I was pretty sure that I was going to leave too. I had duties and responsibilities to fill. I couldn't stay. I knew that. But something told me I had to stay. Something pulled in the back of my mind. It told me to stay, not to leave ever again. It scratched at my brain.

Living me confused. Until we finally leave the hospital, the man never leaves my mind. There's something about him that keeps bothering me. It's just that I don't know what that thing is. And the more I think of that thing makes me feel that I shouldn't have left that place.

He turned to leave, and his tall figure looked so lonely in the cold wind. "What are you looking at?" "Wow, it's an ice cream! Oh, it's nothing. It's just a strange uncle who looks very sad. Is it because no one buys him an ice cream?" "Well, maybe." "He doesn't have a good mom like mine, or maybe… He did something wrong and is currently being punished." "Ah, I don't want to be punished," Helen squealed. "You certainly won't be punished if you behave."

Still refusing to give up. That was something. That was everything. *****

I'm so dumb and stupid. “You should run away from Leon... you should leave... but instead, you don't want to. In fact, you love being around Leon. You yearn for him. You feel restless when you're away. Your life feels like it's over when he's not around. This isn't good for you. He isn't good for you. You need to leave!” The voice in my head pushed me, and it wasn't lying. My whole life was centered around Leon. When did this happen? How? I need to leave, but if I do, I'd never see Leon again.

It's a promise, one that needs no words. I am not leaving this deal the same.

I said softly, my heart aching at the thought of leaving. Finally, I left the room, closing the door softly behind me. As I walked out, a lingering feeling wrapped around my chest, as if I was leaving a piece of myself behind. But I knew I had to go. Work awaited, but the memory of our shared passion lingered like a warm embrace.

“Especially now.” I let out a small breath, my hands relaxing slightly at my sides. “You’re unbelievable.” “And you’re still here.” I shook my head, but there was no real frustration left in it. “Stop saying that.” “Then prove me wrong.” “I can’t just walk away like that.” “Why not?” Because I didn’t want to. Because leaving felt wrong in a way I didn’t want to admit. Because staying felt easier… even when it wasn’t. I exhaled slowly.

At the ring on mine "I don't want to leave," I said. "I haven't wanted to leave for months. I've wanted to stay and I've been terrified of staying and I've been managing the terror by performing the exit and calling it independence." I pressed his hand. "I'm not doing that anymore." The monitor.... The drip The room....