Part-01-A moment alone in thoughts
The morning sun streamed through Feriha's curtains, but her mind was still at the gate ; replaying Eric's voice, his tired eyes, the softness in his words.
She sat on the edge of her bed, fingertips brushing her lips unconsciously.
Eric… why did you look so worried last night? 🤔
A gentle knock sounded on her door.
It was her friend.
"Oh… Eric called again. Said he'll come later."
Feriha's heart skipped. "Okay… thanks." 😊
When her friend left, Feriha sighed and leaned back against the wall.
Maybe it was time she finally faced him… and faced the memories she had avoided for years.
Part-02-Later that Day
Eric was waiting for her near the old mango tree at the end of the lane.
The same place they used to meet when they were kids. 🤝
He looked up as she walked toward him.
"Hey," he said softly.
"Hey," she replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. 👋
For a moment, neither spoke.
The silence felt heavy ;but not uncomfortable. More like a shared pause.
Part-03- Eric – The Part Feriha Never Talks About
Feriha studied him quietly.
Eric had always been different from everyone else she'd known:
He was the boy who lived two houses away, always watching out for her even when they were children. 👨
The one who sat next to her on the first day of school because she looked scared.
The one who gave her half of his lunch when she forgot hers. 🍱
The only person who noticed when her smiles started to fade years ago.
The only one who stayed even when she pushed everyone away.
Eric cleared his throat, pulling her from her thoughts.
"I didn't mean to scare you last night," he said. "I just… had this feeling something was wrong."
"Why would you think that?" she asked.
He shrugged lightly. "Because I know you. I can tell when you're hurting, even when you pretend you're not."
Feriha's breath caught. 🌬
Eric always sees too much.
Part-04-A Confession Without Words
She sat beside him on the low wall. "You've changed," she said.
He smiled faintly. "So have you." 🙂
"No, I mean… you've become quieter. More serious."
He looked down at his hands. "Life does that to people." 😐
There was something heavy in his voice , a shadow Feriha hadn't noticed before.
"Eric… what happened to you?" she whispered.
He turned to her, eyes softer than she'd ever seen. 👁👁
"Nothing happened to me," he said. "I just finally realised what I don't want to lose."
The air stilled.
Feriha felt her chest tighten, a mix of fear and warmth.
"Eric…" 😑
He reached out, hesitated, then gently touched her hand ; a brief, careful brush of fingers.
"You don't have to say anything now," he murmured. "Just… don't disappear again." 😔
Feriha looked away, heart pounding.
She didn't know what Selene was planning.
She didn't know what danger waited ahead.
But she knew one thing: 💡
Eric wasn't part of her nightmares.
He was the one person who made her feel alive.
And that terrified her more than anything. 😥