The house went absolutely quiet as the two teenagers both put what was about to happen into context.

“I’m sorry,” they both said at the same time. The boy chuckled and motioned for the girl to go first.

“Kade, you know we can’t do this anymore. It’s too much to handle, with the move and my job and everything. We just have to put a pin in our relationship,” she said, crossing her legs in the chair.

“Come on, Livi. I can help, you know that!” Kade protested, reaching for her hand, but she was too quick for him. She had always been, had always been one step ahead.

“Help with what?” Livi said, sounding too exasperated for her liking. She saw Kade wince. “Help with what?” She repeated softly.

Kade fumbled for words. “Anything. Anything you need me to do, I’m there.”

Livi shook her head. “I’m sorry, Kade, but I can’t do this anymore,” she repeated, standing up. “Can we still be friends?”

Kade closed his eyes slowly, trying to keep the tears inside. “I don’t know,” he whispered, “I love you, Livi, I don’t know if I’m ever going to be able to get over this.” It was the first time he’d confessed his true feelings, the weighing burden on his chest.

Livi twisted her mouth into a frown and furrowed her eyebrows. “I’m going to go home. See you around, Kade.” She walked over to the door and, without looking back, stepped foot out of his house for the very last time.

Kade wasn’t bothered by that, nor was he bothered by the fact that she hadn’t even responded to him telling her that he loved her. What really nagged him was the fact that she didn’t seem at all upset by the breakup. She didn’t cry, she didn’t look at all pained. She broke up with him as quickly and emotionlessly as she might’ve broken a dish. Their relationship was everything to him, she consumed every waking and sleeping moment. And now… now what?

Now, she was gone, and he would have to get used to that.