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Part 34 – Between Anger and Healing
Anna's mood had been cold all day. She walked beside Ethan in the corridor but didn't speak much, her eyes set straight ahead. Ethan could feel the distance—her silence stung more than words.
"Anna, are you seriously going to ignore me forever?" Ethan finally asked, his tone softer than usual.
She gave him just a glance and shook her head, not answering.
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Okay, fine. Maybe I overreacted. But you know me… I get jealous too easily. I can't help it when I see you upset, or when people stare at you."
Anna slowed her steps. He wasn't yelling this time; he wasn't forcing her. Instead, his voice carried a quiet desperation, a need to be forgiven.
"Jealousy doesn't give you the right to hurt me," Anna muttered, finally breaking her silence.
"I know," Ethan admitted quickly, his eyes searching hers. "I'm sorry. I swear, I'll do better. Just… don't stay mad at me. I can't stand it."
For a while, Anna said nothing. But inside, her anger started softening. Ethan wasn't always cruel—sometimes, like now, he looked almost vulnerable. Against her will, her heart melted just a little.
By the time they reached the courtyard, Ethan had her hand in his, and she didn't pull away. Slowly, she was forgiving him, letting the warmth creep back in.
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Later that week, during lunch, Nick sat down near her in the cafeteria. Ethan wasn't around, and for a moment, it felt like old times.
"Hey," Nick said casually, sliding his tray across. "Haven't seen you smile much lately. Everything okay?"
Anna forced a small smile. "I'm fine. Just… a little tired."
Nick studied her for a second, then gave a half-smile of his own. "Well, if you ever need someone to annoy you into smiling, you know where to find me."
She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Still the same Nick."
"Always," he said, raising his juice carton in a mock toast.
It wasn't a deep conversation, but it was enough. Enough to remind Anna that no matter how complicated things had become, Nick was still her friend.
And even though she was slowly warming back up to Ethan, a part of her found comfort in those short, simple moments with Nick—moments where she didn't have to pretend too much.
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