Chapter Seven: The Ghost from the Past 👻
Alex's POV
It had been three days since Alan locked himself in his room.
But before the silence, before the storm, everything had already ended.
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The End of the Relationship
Alan thought Bianca cared for him, even though everyone at school whispered that he was just the poor student. He believed her smile, her words, her touch.
But one afternoon, she told him quietly, "Alan… I think we should take a break."
Alan didn't argue. He didn't beg. He just nodded, his chest heavy, and walked away. That was the moment he knew — the chapter with Bianca was over.
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The Flashback Ends
That memory haunted him, but it was only a flashback. The present was worse. Alan sat in his room, staring at the wall, refusing to eat or speak. The story of Bianca was finished, but the pain it left behind was still alive.
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Alan's Struggle
Alan tried to change himself. He joined the school football club, and within weeks, his determination made him captain. On the field, he was strong, commanding, and respected.
But off the field, the weight of heartbreak still clung to him. Every cheer from his teammates felt hollow. Every victory reminded him of what he had lost.
Why do I keep losing the people I trust? Why do promises always end in pain?
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Alex's Help
I couldn't stand watching my twin fade away. I barged into his room, grabbed his arm, and said, "If you don't get up, I'm telling the whole school you cry in your blanket."
He finally looked at me, his eyes empty. "Leave me alone."
"No," I said firmly. "You promised me three years to find her. Remember? Astrid."
At the name, something flickered in his face. He didn't speak, but he rose slowly, took a shower, and came downstairs.
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The Mysterious Text
That night, I stayed up scrolling through old middle school photos, searching for any trace of Astrid. Her smile, her bracelet, her promise — "We'll meet again."
Then my phone buzzed. An unknown number.
The message read:
"I'm back in town. - A"
My hands shook. My heart raced. Astrid.
I didn't tell Alan. Not yet. I needed to be sure it was really her. Because if I gave him hope and it wasn't her… I don't think he'd survive it.
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(Sometimes hope comes back when you've already given up.)