Evening fell over the city, painting the campus walls orange. It feels like the sky wants to give us a break, Semiel thought as he adjusted his backpack on his shoulder. The air smelled of dry leaves and a rain that never quite arrived.
He stopped at the library entrance. He'd spent hours reviewing notes, but his mind was still on Saval. Since that conversation, nothing fits back together. I get closer, he pulls away. I pull away, he asks where I am.
The sound of footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. David appeared in his ever-present black jacket.
—I was looking for you,— he said with a tired smile. —Mia left a while ago. She asked about you.—
Semiel nodded. —I had some things to sort out.—
—Sort out…— David looked at him closely. —You look exhausted.—
It's not the studying, it's not the lack of sleep. It's him, Semiel thought, but he only replied: —A little.—
They walked together toward the exit. The hallway lights flickered, as if resisting turning on completely.
—And Saval?— David asked after a silence.
Semiel looked down. —In his own world. As always.—
—But not as always,— David stopped and placed a hand on his shoulder. —I know him. And I know you too. Don't pretend everything's okay.—
Semiel stood still. The touch of David's hand was firm, almost brotherly. If you only knew how much I'm holding back.
—It's complicated,— he whispered.
David didn't push. He withdrew his hand, and they continued walking. Outside, the cold wind made their skin prickle.
—Sometimes,— David said, looking up at the sky, —the only thing we can do is wait for the other person to decide to talk.—
Semiel felt those words weighed more than they seemed. —Maybe,— he replied. —But time doesn't always heal.—
—No,— David smiled melancholically. —But sometimes it teaches.—
They reached the central plaza. The fountain was turned off, and only the rustle of leaves accompanied them.
—I'm heading home,— David announced. —You coming?—
—I want to walk a bit.—
—Alright. Don't get lost.—
When David walked away, Semiel was left alone with the sound of his own footsteps. He sat on a bench. How ironic. Talking to David makes it clearer what I'm not saying.
He took out his phone. The screen lit up his face: a message from Saval from two hours ago. —I'll be late. Don't wait for me.—
Semiel let out a short, almost bitter laugh. Always late. Always distant.
The sky darkened, and a damp breeze hinted at rain. Semiel closed his eyes. Maybe tomorrow, maybe never. But I can't stop trying.
The first rumble of thunder echoed in the distance. He stood up, adjusted his backpack, and walked toward the campus exit. Each step echoed like a reflection of what he didn't dare say—a voice among the shadows that only he could hear.