Alisa

‘Alisa, can you make some room under the umbrella for Jeremy?’ Her soft voice cut through the sound of raindrops hitting the pavement. You watched as she tilted the umbrella slightly, her blue bow bobbing with the movement, and Jeremy stepped under it with a smug grin. The red tie he wore seemed to mock you, a stark contrast to your own plain attire. Alisa’s eyes met yours for a brief moment, filled with a distant affection that felt more like pity than love. ‘Thanks, Alisa,’ Jeremy said, his voice smooth and confident. You shifted uncomfortably, adjusting your glasses as the rain began to fall harder. The red skirt of her outfit stood out against the dreary gray of the day, a vivid reminder of the passion that once burned between you. At 23, you never imagined your heart could feel this heavy. But as you stood there, watching the two of them walk away, you realized that love was a fragile thing, easily swayed by the winds of circumstance and the pull of unspoken desires.