FRIENDS AND DOUBTS
The next day, Grace met Amelia for lunch. She had barely sat down before Amelia started grilling her.
"So," Amelia said, leaning forward. "Who's this Ethan guy you've been spending so much time with?"
Grace sighed, stirring her soup. "He's just… someone I met."
Amelia raised an eyebrow. "Just someone? Grace, you're glowing. I know you. This is more than 'just someone.'"
Grace hesitated, her cheeks flushing. "He's amazing, Amelia. But… I'm scared. What if this ends up hurting him?"
Amelia's expression softened. "Grace, you deserve to be happy, even if it's just for a little while. But… just make sure he knows what he's getting into, okay?"
That evening, Grace sat by her window, staring at the stars. Amelia's words echoed in her mind. Did she deserve this happiness? Could she allow herself to love someone, knowing how it would end?
When her phone buzzed with a text from Ethan, she made her decision.
"Can you come over? I need to tell you something."
When Ethan arrived, Grace wasted no time. "I'm scared," she admitted, pacing the room. "Scared of what this could do to you. Scared of letting myself fall for you, because I know how it ends."
Ethan stepped forward, gently cupping her face in his hands. "Grace, you don't have to protect me from this. I know what I'm signing up for. And I'm choosing it anyway."
Tears streamed down her face as she nodded, finally allowing herself to lean into his embrace.