The Dreaded Text: The FaceTime Call
Your fingers fly across the screen, demanding a FaceTime call, explaining you can’t wait for Friday.
Your heart pounds so hard it physically hurts.
The phone rings almost instantly.
You answer, and there he is. Dre.
He’s wearing a crisp white shirt, his hair is damp, and he has that blindingly wide grin—the kind you haven't seen since college.
"Whoa, Lan, what's up? Are you okay? You look pale," he says, concern instantly replacing the excitement in his eyes.
"I—I'm fine," you stammer, cutting him off. "But I can't wait. You need to tell me your news, and I need to tell you... mine."
He leans closer to the screen, his smile softening into something serious.
"My news is huge. My company is transferring me. I got the promotion."
The words are good, but the next ones are a gut punch.
"I'm staying in New York permanently, Lana. I'm moving here for good. It's my dream job."
You blink, trying to process the idea of a life where he's always three time zones away.
Then you realize just like that, you've lost your chance.
You plunge ahead anyway, the words spilling out in a rush of raw emotion.
"I'm in love with you, Dre. I'm utterly and completely in love with you. I have been for years. I was going to tell you on Friday, but now you're not even coming back, and I can't keep it inside."
The air leaves the conversation.
Dre’s face goes still, the joy completely wiped away, replaced by an expression you can't read—shock, perhaps sadness, or worse... pity.
"Lana... that's... I don't know what to say," he finally murmurs, running a hand through his hair.
"I need a minute to process everything you just said. It's a lot. And I need to talk to you in person."
His response, calm and measured, feels like a definitive rejection. You've risked it all, and he needs "a minute."
He's chosen his career and his future thousands of miles away.
What do you do?
CHOOSE YOUR PATH:
A. THE DECISIVE ENDING:
You refuse to let him see you cry.
You force a fake smile and cut the line, sending a follow-up text that says, "It's fine. Forget I said anything. Congratulations on your promotion. Have a good life."
You intend to disappear until Friday, nursing your heartbreak alone.
B. THE FIGHT FOR TRUTH:
You fight back the tears, refusing to hang up.
"Don't you dare tell me you need a minute, Dre. Tell me now. Is there someone else? Did you... know? Because if you knew, and you led me on..."
You demand an honest answer, refusing to let him off the hook.
