We sit across the table cards tucked close both holding something back. I ask if you have what I need and you lock down shake your head with a small smile

I draw another, hoping this one fits but it’s just another card in my hand. Some days, we seem close matching here and there a piece that lines up a moment that clicks.

Other days, it’s just shuffling the wrong cards given away both of us guessing a little tired of asking a little afraid of what’s left.

But we play on passing cards each one a question we can’t answer. We don’t know if we’ll ever hold the perfect hand but we keep reaching as if maybe, by the end we’ll find something whole in this mess of cards.

We didn't choose this, but somehow it happened pulled by forces we couldn’t fight.

You’re still here with me, in the smallest things: a smile, a memory, a quiet thought that stays longer than it should.

We weren’t meant to end, but the world had other plans.

Now, all that's left is the space between us a distance I can’t cross.

Yet even as we part, you’re in every moment, in every breath of the life we almost had together.

I don't know if time will bring us back, but for now, I’ll carry you in my heart, where the world can’t touch usss.

I would be anything for you. A stone beneath your feet when the ground feels unsteady, a soft breeze when the air is too thick.

I would be a shadow just behind you, close enough to catch you but never in the way.

I would be a pause in the rush of your thoughts, a space to breathe when you need air.

I would be anything for you. Not to guide, not to lead, but to stand beside you, always.

The key still fit, but the house felt empty. The walls, once full of life, stood cold and silent. Familiar rooms no longer held comfort, and the air was heavy with forgotten days. Memories lingered like shadows, distant and faint, but the warmth was gone, lost with the people who made it home. Now, it was just a place, and I was a stranger passing through.

One year today, since we got eachother.

Your words, a lifeline to my heart.

But things went wrong, and you slipped away.

I hold onto memories, fragments of our love.

Each message, a bittersweet echo.

I miss your presence, your laughter.

Now, I’m lost, adrift without you.

Every day, I wish, for your return.

Take care, my love, you are my heart.

Come back, I’m incomplete without you.

In the vast expanse of the sky, the Sun shone bright, But something was missing in its daily life.

For the Moon was nowhere to be found, Leaving the Sun feeling lonely, no sound.

"Why did you leave?" the Sun cried out in dismay, As it searched the heavens, day after day.

But the Moon stayed hidden, beyond its reach, Leaving the Sun longing on its endless beach.

In the silence of space, the Sun's warmth waned, As it missed the Moon's light, gentle and unchained.

But amidst the emptiness, made it clear, Even the brightest star can feel lonely, my dear.

It's been two days without my moon, something that's never happened since we met, Rylee. You've always been there for me. Remember when you wanted me to post more but I said I was busy? I'm sorry. Right now, I can't find any creativity, just pure emotions. I miss you so much, and all I can do is cry.

You always called me the sun because my name means just that. But you were my moon because we'd always talk at midnight. Now, it feels like endless days without my moon by my side.

I can't imagine what you're going through. Your life was already hard, and now, being apart from you, I feel lost. Why does all the pain seem to find you? I wish I could take it all away for you.

All you ever wanted was to be with me. I can't stop thinking about how happy you were with your posts and drafts here. You loved this community and welcoming new people.

You once told me that writing helps you, and now, I understand why. It brings out all your feelings. I can't stop crying as I write this. I hope you come back soon and read it all. This is for you.

Here's her last message to me...

She wanted my tablet, trying to unlock it. She needs my phone. If I can't come online tonight, know that I love you and have your email memorized. Don't worry, okay? I'll find some way to reach you.

She knows about you. I want you to know that you mean everything to me. I don't have much time, but I won't stay at home. I'll leave tonight. Please take care, and I'll see what I can do. Ravi, please, try to be happy. Please. And talk to the stars. I'll listen. Please.

I promise I'll try to find happiness. Just know that I'm here for you. Please, don't do anything risky, don't get into fights, and keep yourself safe. I'll talk to the stars. Everything will be okay again.

I love you so much... Please, please be alright.

Alex paced back and forth in his dimly lit apartment, his mind a chaotic whirlwind of fear and panic. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he clenched and unclenched his fists, the weight of his intentions bearing down on him like a leaden cloak.

"I can't keep living like this," he muttered to himself, his voice a trembling whisper in the silence of the room. "I've been afraid for too long, always hesitating, always holding back. But maybe... just maybe, it's time to give it one last go."

His thoughts raced, tumbling over each other in a frenzied cascade of doubt and uncertainty. For too long, he had allowed fear to dictate his actions, to keep him trapped in a prison of his own making. But now, with his resolve wavering on the brink of collapse, he knew that he had to confront his demons head-on.

"I have to do it," he murmured, his voice growing stronger with each word. "I have to face my fears, no matter the cost."

With a shaky breath, Alex squared his shoulders and steeled himself for the task ahead. His heart hammered in his chest as he reached for the door, the weight of his intentions pressing down on him like a suffocating embrace.

As he stepped out into the night, his mind raced with a thousand doubts and hesitations. But deep down, he knew that he couldn't turn back now. He had made his decision, and he was determined to see it through to the end.

With each step, his resolve grew stronger, until at last, he found himself standing before the door he had been dreading to approach. His hand trembled as he reached for the handle, his heart pounding in his chest like a drumbeat.

And then, with a surge of courage he hadn't known he possessed, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The room was dark, the only sound the steady rhythm of his own heartbeat. But as his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he saw her lying there, her form illuminated by the pale glow of the moon.

For a moment, he hesitated, his resolve faltering in the face of what he was about to do. But then, with a final surge of determination, he raised his hand and struck.

The blade pierced her flesh with a sickening sound, and as she let out a startled gasp, Alex felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had done it. He had faced his fears and emerged victorious.

As he watched her lifeblood spill onto the floor, a sense of calm descended upon him, banishing the doubts and hesitations that had plagued him for so long. He had finally found the courage to do what needed to be done, and as he stood there in the darkness, he knew that he would never be afraid again.

[Scene: A holographic communication booth, connecting two friends, Zara on Mars and Leo on Europa, millions of kilometers apart.]

Zara: Leo, can you believe we're finally going to meet in person? I never thought I'd leave Mars!

Leo: I know, right? It's incredible what's possible now. Traveling between planets is just a regular thing here on Europa.

Zara: It still blows my mind! I mean, just a few decades ago, it was just a dream.

Leo: Tell me about it. And speaking of dreams, wait till you see the view from Europa's surface. It's like nothing you've ever seen on Mars.

Zara: I can't wait! But hey, how's life on Europa? I've heard you guys have these gravity-defying transportation pods now?

Leo: Oh, you have no idea. It's like floating through the air, except you're in a pod traveling at supersonic speeds! It's wild.

Zara: That sounds amazing! We're still stuck with those clunky rovers on Mars. But hey, at least we have those self-repairing habitats now.

Leo: True, true. And don't get me started on the food synthesizers here. You won't believe the flavors they can replicate!

Zara: I'm looking forward to trying them! But hey, speaking of food, I brought some Martian delicacies for you to try. Ever had Martian chocolate?

Leo: Martian chocolate? No way! I've heard it's out of this world. Literally.

Zara: You're in for a treat, my friend. And hey, after we meet, we should visit the biodome. They've got these incredible alien plants that glow in the dark!

Leo: Count me in! I've always wanted to see those. Anyway, the shuttle's about to land. I'll see you soon, Zara.

Zara: Can't wait, Leo! Safe travels. See you on Europa!

In a city where darkness rules the night, Buildings stand tall, blocking out the light. The streets are quiet, no sound to be heard, As if the city itself is lost in a word.

Tall buildings reach up, like giants they stand, Casting shadows across the land. Windows are dark, no glimmer of cheer, In this city of darkness, where hope disappears.

Alleys are narrow, twisting and tight, Filled with shadows that dance in the night. Footsteps are soft on the silent ground, In this city where darkness is all around.

Signs flicker weakly, but barely they glow, Guiding lost souls where they need to go. But even their light can't chase away, The darkness that lingers throughout the day