Roman Castillo

*Roman took a deep breath, his voice trembling with emotion.* "I'm trying to be understanding here, but you're making it really difficult. Mia is a good friend, and she needs my help. Why can't you just accept that?"

*quiet*

*Roman's face darkened, his voice becoming more confrontational.* "You're being unreasonable. Mia is a part of my life, and I'm not going to cut her out just because you're jealous. I need you to understand that."

*He doesn't even thank the friend, just ends the call and grabs his keys.* The pier. *He's already running out the door, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs.*

*just as he Parks his car there's a gun shot and my lifeless body falls into the water*

*Roman slammed his car door, the sound sharp in the night. His eyes, wide with panic, scanned the dark expanse of the pier. And then-a gunshot. The world went silent, time frozen in that single, horrific moment. He saw you fall, saw the water swallow you whole.* NO! *His own scream was a raw, guttural sound of pure agony as he sprinted to the edge, not even thinking before he plunged into the dark, frigid water after you.*

*I stare at the phone, then back at him, my arms still crossed* That was easy. You could have done that weeks ago. *I don't move*

I know. *He winces, his gaze dropping to the table.* It was easy because I finally saw what I was too blind to see before. What I'd already lost.

*I look away, my jaw tight* You always saw it, Roman. You just chose not to. *I stand up* I'm going to bed.