Several months had passed since Selena left her old city and tried to start a new life. Everything felt different here. The air was fresher, the atmosphere more peaceful, and the streets she walked every morning on her way to work reminded her that life could begin again.
Selena now worked at a small interior design company with a family-like environment. It didn't take long for her to find new friends who brightened her days. Loly, Abigail, and Erick quickly became close to Selena, and their friendship grew naturally.
***
After Work in the Evening
"Hey, how about we go out for dinner? I know a new place that's trending!" Loly said excitedly while tidying up her desk.
"I'm in! After working all day, I need a good meal," Abigail added, laughing.
Erick, who was sitting at the desk nearby, simply shrugged but smiled. "As long as the food's good, I'm in."
Selena smiled slightly as she watched them. At first, she hesitated to join, but the encouragement from her new friends made her feel accepted. "Alright, I'll come. But you're paying," Selena joked, making the others laugh.
They went to a small café by the roadside. The atmosphere was warm, with dim lights and soft acoustic music playing in the background. They ordered various dishes and drinks, then chatted while enjoying the night.
"You know, Selena, ever since you joined the office, things have been more fun," Loly said with a smile. "You have this aura that makes people feel at ease."
Selena gave a faint smile. Though happy to hear the compliment, deep inside, she still felt an emptiness that no one could fill. Every time she laughed with her friends, a sense of hollowness would follow, accompanied by memories of Alexander.
"I'm glad to have you guys," Selena replied, trying to hide her sadness behind her smile.
**
Selena's Days in the New City
Selena enjoyed her job. The new office routine kept her busy and slowly helped her forget the pain of the past. Every morning, she woke up with new enthusiasm, enjoyed her commute to work, and always found something new that made her smile.
Her bond with Loly, Abigail, and Erick grew stronger. They often spent time together after work, whether it was having dinner out, strolling through the city park, or hanging out at a nearby café.
However, even though her days seemed brighter, Selena couldn't completely forget Alexander. There were nights when she stayed awake, staring at the ceiling, with her mind wandering back to memories of him. Sometimes she wondered if Alexander was still alive. Was he alright? But she always brushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on her new life.
**
One Night at the City Park
Selena sat on a bench in the park with Abigail, Loly, and Erick. The night sky was clear, filled with twinkling stars. They shared stories while enjoying snacks they had bought from a nearby stall.
"Selena, you never talk about your past," Abigail suddenly said. "I mean, where are you from?"
Selena paused for a moment, trying to craft her response. "I'm just someone trying to leave the past behind and start a new life," she answered briefly, with a faint smile.
Loly gently patted her shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. You don't have to tell us if you don't want to. What matters is that we're here for you now."
Selena looked at the three of them and felt grateful. Although her heart hadn't fully healed, the presence of her new friends made things feel a little better.
"Thank you. I'm lucky to have you all," Selena said sincerely.
That night passed with laughter and chatter. Though the memories of Alexander still lingered in her heart, Selena was slowly finding small moments of happiness in her life.
Selena began to feel that her life in this new city was a chance to heal. However, beneath it all, something continued to bother her a lingering question about her fate and Alexander's. Even though she had decided to leave the past behind, the shadow of the love she once had remained in the corner of her heart.
Selena didn't know where life would lead her, but one thing was certain she would keep moving forward, even if the shadows of her past continued to follow her.