After Our Fall, Love Reclaimed

The night my family fell apart, I was still overseas. My father, who had always been my greatest supporter, was beyond saving. Shortly after, my mother sold everything we owned and flew straight to America to stay with my uncle. All she left me was this small apartment. I don't hold a grudge against her for leaving; in fact, I'm grateful she didn't leave me without a roof over my head.

This bed may be small, but it's a huge upgrade from sharing a cramped basement with seven or eight other people abroad. It's been the best, most restful sleep I've had in the past four months.

Until the doorbell rang, breaking my peace.

When I looked through the peephole and saw Jayden Lewis standing there, I was a bit taken aback. But then I remembered he also owns an apartment in this building. I opened the door and, not giving him a chance to speak, said, "Sorry, I'll move out right away. I'm going to list this apartment with a realtor to sell it."

"Lilah, what are you talking about?"

It might have been my imagination, but Jayden's expression seemed to sour significantly after I said that.

"I'll move today. I promise you won't have to see me again."

With that, I picked up my phone to call a realtor. Just as I started dialing, Jayden suddenly snatched the phone from my hand and smashed it on the floor.

"You've been keeping me at arm's length for four years now. Isn't that enough?"

"You're planning to sell the apartment and move out? Then find yourself in a bind and call me for help late at night, in tears?"

"And eventually move in with me, right?"

"Lilah, can't you act more maturely? Stop playing these games."

I looked at the shattered pieces of my phone on the floor, feeling a sharp pang of loss. For months, even having enough to eat was a luxury. This phone was a hand-me-down from a kind shop owner who took pity on me when I returned home.

I crouched down to gather the broken pieces. Jayden pulled out his wallet and tossed it at me. "Get yourself a new one. I'll cover the cost."

"So you won't have an excuse to cling to me again."

He said that, slammed the door, and left.

I looked at the wallet on the floor, and though I managed a smile, tears started streaming down my face.

In the end, I bought the cheapest phone I could find. He was right; it's best if we owe each other nothing.

I called Joel Vasquez to come and collect Jayden's wallet.

"Miss Rivera, I'm really sorry, but I can't leave the office right now," he apologized. "Could you possibly bring it to the office?"

I considered it for a moment and replied, "Alright, I'll bring it over in a bit."