Debbie sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers hovering over the keyboard of her phone. Her last text to Pasco still sat

beneath her thumb in their chat history.

Happy Birthday, Pasco. Wishing you all the best.It was simple, polite—exactly the kind of message you send to someone you're trying to detach from,even when your heart still aches for them. She'd sent it two days ago. He hadn't even opened it.Debbie swallowed the lump in her throat, her mind spiraling

with memories of their past. Four years of silence broken by his sudden return, only to leave her more confused than ever.He said he still had feelings for her, but his actions spoke a different language. She was tired of the mixed signals, tired of being the one who always reached out, only to be left hanging. Her thumb moved decisively. She opened Pasco's social media profile and pressed "Unfriend.

" It felt symbolic—a final step in reclaiming her peace. Yet, as soon as it was done, a wave of sadness washed over her.