SIRENS AND SILENCE
Elliana stood at her bedroom window, watching the street below. Dawn crept in slowly, painting everything in soft gold—but her heart felt heavy, colorless.
Her phone buzzed.
Dad: I'm on my way.
She knew what that meant.
Across town, Leon waited outside the garage, hands in his pockets, shoulders tense. He didn't run. He didn't start the engine. For once, he stayed still.
When the patrol cars arrived, their lights cut through the quiet morning. Leon lifted his head, eyes steady.
"Leon Blakk," her father called out, stepping forward. "You know why we're here."
Leon nodded. "I do."
Elliana arrived just as the officers stepped closer. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw him. He looked calm—too calm.
Their eyes met.
No words.
No anger.
Just pain.
"I'm sorry," Leon mouthed.
Elliana pressed her lips together, forcing herself not to cry. This was what she chose. This was the right thing.
Her father placed the cuffs on Leon's wrists gently, almost respectfully.
"It didn't have to end like this," Leon said quietly.
Elliana swallowed. "It ended a long time ago."
That hurt more than any shout ever could.
As Leon was led to the car, Elliana turned away. She couldn't watch him go. The door slammed. The engine started. And just like that—he was gone.
Silence followed.
Her father touched her shoulder. "You did the right thing."
Elliana didn't answer.
Right didn't feel right.
It felt empty.
It felt broken.
That night, she deleted Leon's number.
But she couldn't delete the memories.
And somewhere deep inside her, she wondered…
Was loving him her biggest mistake?
Or her bravest choice?