33- You are so sweet

The shared laughter, the knowing glances, and the moments of tenderness intertwined with the uncertainty of the present. Jade found herself immersed in a sea of nostalgia and longing, fighting against the tide of feelings that threatened to overwhelm her. The call persisted, insistent, like an echo of a time she thought she had left behind. Jade got out of bed, feeling the sea breeze coming through the open window. The decision to answer or not became a dilemma that resonated with the complexity of her own story. "I don't want my past to define me," Jade kept telling herself, but the reality of facing that call was like a mirror reflecting her own vulnerability. She was at a crossroads between the need to close chapters and the fear of reliving those moments she thought she had left behind. The constant ringing of the phone reminded Jade that each vibration was a choice. Would she accept the connection to a past that seemed intent on finding her, or would she firmly close the door to protect herself from the waves of uncertainty that were coming? As for Everth...

Everth, frustrated by Jade's lack of response, decided to seek support from his loyal friend Ivan. He quickly dialed the number and waited anxiously for him to answer. After a few rings, Ivan's voice rang out on the other end of the line.

"Ivan, I need to talk to you!" Everth exclaimed, the urgency palpable in his tone.

“How did you get to this point?” Alessandro asked, knowing that the answers would be

key to understanding the complexity of the situation.

(Cris, thoughtful)

“Samantha and I used to have amazing times. But responsibilities,

expectations, and monotony have dragged us into a kind of emotional slumber. I

don’t know if any of us really want to go through with this. And last night, when I

tried to talk to her, it all became more apparent.”

Alessandro nodded, acknowledging the difficulty of dealing with a relationship that, at

once, was meaningful but was now faltering under the burden of time and

circumstances.

“Cris, these decisions are difficult, but sometimes they are necessary. Have you thought about

talking openly to Samantha about your feelings?” Alessandro suggested, aware

that frank communication could be a crucial step. Cris, taking a sip of his coffee, nodded regretfully.

—Yes, I think it's time to have that conversation. We need to face reality and

decide if this has a future. I don't want to keep postponing the inevitable. — Cris commented

seriously.

Alessandro, supporting his friend, decided to share his perspective.

—Honesty is key in these situations, Cris. And remember, I'm here to support you,

no matter what. Tough decisions sometimes lead to a more authentic and

fulfilling life.

Alessandro, supporting his friend Cris, decided to tell him frankly and share

his insightful observations about his relationship with Samantha. They sat in the cafeteria,

in the atmosphere of complicity that only true friends can offer.

—Cris, brother, I've always felt that Samantha wasn't right for you from the beginning.

And let me tell you that, lately, I've noticed something else. I think you may be some sort of emotional psychopath. I don't want you to underestimate the impact this could be having on your mental health. —

Cris, though surprised by Alessandro's frankness, knew that his friend had always been a good judge of character. As he took a sip of his coffee, he urged Alessandro to continue.

—What do you mean by "emotional psychopath"? That's a serious statement, Alessandro.

—Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying she's a criminal, but there are people who emotionally manipulate others to get what they want. It's like they enjoy exerting control over their partners' minds. And, Cris, I've noticed certain patterns in the way Samantha behaves with you.

Alessandro proceeded to detail examples of situations where Samantha seemed to play with Cris’s emotions, from creating jealous situations to using gaslighting tactics to make him doubt himself. Cris, as he listened, began to connect the dots and see more clearly the toxic dynamic he had been trapped in.

“I’d never looked at it from that perspective. I always thought it was just us going through a rough patch. But now… it makes sense. And I don’t want to continue like this,” Cris said determinedly.

“You’re not alone in this, Cris. Many people go through toxic relationships without even realizing it. Emotional manipulation can be subtle but destructive. You have to think about your well-being first,” Alessandro said supportively.

Alessandro went on to share stories of people who had faced similar situations and how they made brave decisions to get out of relationships that were negatively affecting them. As he did so, he noticed Cris absorbing every word,

internalizing the idea that he deserved a healthier relationship.

“Alessandro, I think it’s time to end this. I don’t want to keep allowing

Samantha to play with my mind. But how do I do it?”

“First, Cris, prepare yourself for a difficult conversation. Stay calm and

clearly communicate your feelings. Don’t get caught up in emotional games. She knows how

to manipulate someone well.”

Cris, strengthened by his friend’s words, began to mentally map out his plan. He knew

that confronting Samantha wouldn’t be easy, but he understood that it was necessary for his own

emotional well-being.

“Alessandro, there’s something else I need to tell you. In the midst of all this turmoil with

Samantha, I’ve been having feelings for someone else.” Cris spoke with determination.

“Anyone else? Really? I didn’t know you were exploring new possibilities, you’re

going hard my brother.” — Alessandro said.

—Yes, it is complicated. But with Samantha, I feel betrayed and trapped. And yes, I am

interested in someone else. Her name is Jade, I met her at a beach party. It is as if

she represents everything that Samantha is not. —

—That sounds promising, bro! And I am with you on this. Forget about Samantha and

focus on what makes you happy! — He said smiling.

—Thanks, Alessandro. I needed to say it out loud. celebrate when

all this is over. A party as a triumph for having left that psychopath behind. — Cris said

with determination.

Both friends gave each other a strong handshake, sealing the pact of mutual support in

this new phase of Cris' life. Alessandro, with his contagious energy, reminded Cris

of the importance of enjoying the moment and freeing himself from the chains of the past.

—Brother, life is too short to worry about people who don't value you.

Now, go out and enjoy Jade's company. And that party I mentioned before, it will

be legendary! —

—You're right, Alessandro. I don't want to waste any more time in toxic relationships. And

definitely, that party will be a well-deserved celebration. —

The two friends parted ways, as they had to sort out some things at work. Alessandro knew that his role as a supportive friend had been crucial, and Cris felt liberated by having shared his feelings and decided to move on. As Cris walked toward his destination, the melody of "The Night We Met" still echoed in his ears, but this time, the meaning of the song began to transform into a kind of personal anthem of rebirth and liberation.

After a few hours, Cris was in his apartment…

(Cris, opening the door)

The afternoon fell over the city, painting the sky with warm tones as Cris, with a determined heart, approached the apartment he used to call home. The cool afternoon breeze swayed the leaves of the trees, as if nature also anticipated the change that was about to occur.

As he opened the door, the atmosphere in the apartment seemed to be suspended in a strange rhythm. The dim light revealed Samantha in the kitchen, half naked, holding a cup of coffee. The scene seemed straight out of a surreal painting, a disconcerting contrast to the emotional baggage Cris carried with him.

“Oh, hello, Cris. What brings you here?” Samantha greets him indifferently.

Samantha’s indifferent tone echoed in the room, as if the reality of their relationship had lost all meaning to her. Cris, however, was determined to break the monotony and free himself from the emotional chains that had kept them in a meaningless dance.

“This can’t go on like this. We need to talk about ourselves.” While Cris breathes deeply.

Cris took the conversation to the heart of the matter, willing to face the truth and free himself from the ties that kept him in a relationship that no longer brought him anything.

The afternoon light filtering through the curtains revealed the tension on Cris's face.

She stood firm, with the determination of someone who has decided it is time to seek her own happiness.

"Us? What is there to talk about? Everything is fine, don't be pathetic, relax a little, I think you are stressed out by your job," Samantha commented while laughing at him.

Samantha's response, although apparently unconcerned, hid layers of denial and disinterest. For her, routine and monotony seemed to be the accepted norm.

"No, Samantha, it's not okay! I can't ignore all this anymore. Our relationship has

become a farce, and the best thing for both of us is to end it," Cris says while

exploding.

Cris's explosion echoed in the room, breaking the awkward silence that had reigned until that moment. Samantha, with a theatrical attitude, left the cup of coffee on the table with disdain.

"Break up? Really, Cris? You'll regret this. No one else will put up with you like I do," Samantha said determinedly.

Samantha's words, more than a threat, were a prediction loaded with contempt. Although Cris felt the tension in the air, she maintained her resolve, aware that she was making the right decision for her emotional well-being.

"I'd rather be alone than continue in an empty relationship. I need to find my own happiness, and I think that means moving forward without you," Cris said simply.

The challenge was launched, and Cris faced a Samantha who, for the first time, could not control the situation. The silence that followed made it clear that the end of a stage was approaching.

Samantha, angry and feeling lost in the middle of the confrontation, responded with

disdain.

“Do what you want, Cris. But I assure you that you will regret this. No one else will

understand you like I do,” Samantha said threateningly.

Cris, feeling liberated and at the same time anticipating the challenges he would face, left

behind the apartment he had shared with Samantha. The door closed with a dull sound, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Cris’s life.

The feeling of freedom was beginning to make its way into his heart, but he knew that the path

to true happiness would not be easy. With determined steps, Cris walked away, leaving behind

a stage of his life that.

The first rays of the sun illuminated the entrance to the courthouse, and Ivan was there, firm and

determined, with the folder of documents in his hand. His phone rang, and when he

answered, Everth's figure was reflected on the screen. Emotion resonated in Ivan's

voice as he shared the news.

— Everth, my friend, today is the day. We are in front of the

courthouse, and everything is prepared to prove your innocence. The lawyer is

sure that the evidence is overwhelming. Today could be the day you regain your

freedom! — Everth, from his cell, felt a lump in his throat. Hope, that spark that had

been extinguished for so long, was beginning to shine again.

— Ivan, I don't know how to thank you. I am about to face this thanks to you. I

have no words to express my gratitude. Ivan, with a smile that reflected his joy and hope, replied:

— Friends are for this, Everth. Now, let's see this as the beginning of a new

chapter. I'm sure everything will turn out well.

As Ivan and Everth walked into the courthouse, life on the beach continued its rhythm.

Jade, wrapped in the expectation of the possible reunion with Cris, woke up with a

feeling of joy and nervousness.

Jade, in her thoughts

— Today is the day. The party could change many things. What surprises does

destiny have in store for me?

As she prepared for the day, Jade reflected on the possibility of meeting

Cris again. The fleeting connection at the party continued to resonate in her mind, and the

expectation of the meeting added a touch of excitement to the day. Besides, Jade stood in front of the mirror, the light of dawn reflecting the determination in her eyes. The anticipation of the party and the possibility of a reunion with Cris lit a spark of excitement in her being. But before immersing herself in the effervescence of the day, Jade felt the need to connect with her roots, with that source of wisdom that she always found in the memories and teachings of her grandmother, even though she was no longer physically present. With the phone in her hand, Jade paused before dialing the familiar number. She remembered the old conversations, the shared laughter, but she also faced the reality that her grandmother was no longer there. Instead of dialing, she closed her eyes and allowed the memories to flow like a dialogue with her grandmother's soul.