"Michael was engaged to Amelia?!" Sarah was shocked at the news David brought to her, and tears flooded her face. She sat in her usual corner of the library, and David settled across from her. Today, it felt more like a prison than a sanctuary. She stared at the pages of her book, the words blurring together, her thoughts consumed by Michael's engagement. It was like a wound that would not heal, and she didn't know how to move forward.
David stood up and went back with two cups of coffee. "I thought you might need this."
She looked up, managing a faint smile. "Thanks, David," she said, accepting the warm cup.
He did not push her to talk, but his eyes held a silent invitation to share if she wanted to. They had been friends for years, more like siblings than anything else, and Sarah appreciated having him close, especially now.
David leaned forward, his brow furrowed with concern. "I get that. I have known Michael since we were kids, but this... it is messed up. You did not deserve any of it. I feel so sorry."
Hearing him say it, especially with his history with Michael, made her heart feel a little lighter. "Thanks, David. That means a lot."
He shrugged, a warm smile breaking through. "You are like family to me. I have got your back, always. Besides," he added with a teasing smirk, "someone's got to watch out for you now that Michael's gone off the deep end."
She could not help but laugh, grateful for his lightheartedness. "Yeah, I guess so."
As days turned into weeks, Sarah and David spent more time together. Nothing romantic was happening. David was with Mia, and Sarah respected that. But their friendship became a refuge, a space where she could share her feelings without the burden of heartbreak dragging her down.
"So, how are things with you and Mia?" Sarah asked as they strolled through the campus park one cool evening.
David's face lit up. "She is amazing. Honestly, I do not know how I got so lucky."
Sarah smiled, genuinely happy for him. Mia was her best friend and seeing the way they cared for each other reminded her that not all relationships end in betrayal. "You two are great together. You balance each other out."
David chuckled. "She keeps me grounded; that's for sure."
They walked in comfortable silence for a bit before David's tone turned serious. "You know, I have been thinking about Michael. I never saw this coming. I am sorry for what he put you through."
Sarah bit her lip, the familiar sting of betrayal creeping back in. "It is not your fault, David. You did not do anything."
"I know," he said, glancing at her. "But still, I feel like I should've noticed something was off."
Sarah stopped and turned to face him. "Please do not. You cannot fix this for me. Michael made his choices. I'll figure out how to get over it."
David nodded, but his eyes were still clouded with sadness. "I just hate seeing you hurt."
"I'll be okay," she assured him, touched by his concern. "It'll take time, but I'll be alright."
David reached out, squeezing her shoulder. "I know you will. You are tougher than you realize, Sarah."
With that, they continued their walk, and for the first time in weeks, Sarah felt a glimmer of relief. David did not offer empty words or try to fix the unfixable. He was just there, steady, and supportive, exactly what she needed.
A few days later, while they were spending time together, David had an idea. "You know what I think you need?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eye. "A getaway. Just a chance to clear your head."
"Like a vacation?" Sarah raised an eyebrow. "I don't know…"
"Absolutely!" David insisted. "What if we all go to Europe? You, me, and Mia. We can have some fun, and explore, and you can take a break from everything here."
Sarah's heart skipped. "Europe? That sounds amazing, but... I don't know if I'm ready."
"Trust me," David said, leaning in. "You need this. It's a chance to reset. Plus, I promise Mia and I will keep the mood light. No sad thoughts allowed!"
Sarah considered it, her mind racing with possibilities. A part of her longed-for adventure, a chance to escape the pain. "Okay," she finally said, a smile creeping onto her face. "Let's do it!"
David grinned, clearly excited. "Perfect! I'll talk to Mia, and we'll start planning."
As Sarah lay in bed that night, she felt a spark of hope. Maybe this trip would be just what she needed—a way to heal and rediscover herself. And as much as she'd loved Michael, she knew it was time to turn the page.