Chapter Text
Anne, Sasha, and Marcy sat at their favorite café, the familiar warmth of the place contrasting sharply with the chill in the air outside. The soft hum of conversation around them and the comforting aroma of coffee offered a semblance of normalcy. Anne glanced at her watch, feeling the weight of the words she was about to say.
Sasha was sipping her drink, eyes distant but attentive. Marcy, sitting next to her, fidgeted with the edge of her napkin, sensing something was off but not wanting to voice her concern.
"Hey, guys," Anne started, her voice unsteady. She reached across the table, taking both their hands in hers. The touch was electric, filled with memories of shared moments, laughter, and tears.
Sasha's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of concern crossing her face. "What's up, Anne?"
Anne took a deep breath, her heart pounding. "I need to talk to you both about something important."
Marcy's grip tightened around Anne's hand, her eyes wide with worry. "What is it?"
Anne looked down, struggling to find the right words. "I love you both so much. You mean the world to me, and I never want you to doubt that. But... I've been feeling overwhelmed. School, family, and everything else... it's just too much right now."
Sasha's jaw clenched, her expression darkening. She said nothing, her mind racing, but the anger and hurt were already building up inside her. She forced herself to stay calm, bottling up her emotions as best as she could.
Marcy's eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling. "What are you saying, Anne?"
Anne's own tears were threatening to fall. "I think... I think we need to take a break. It's not because I don't love you. It's because I do, and I can't give you the attention and care you deserve right now. I'm so sorry."
Sasha looked away, biting her lip hard enough to draw blood. She couldn't trust herself to speak without saying something she'd regret. Instead, she focused on pushing the hurt and anger into the 'not right now' section of her mind.
Marcy, on the other hand, couldn't hold back her sobs. She nodded, unable to speak, and quickly excused herself. The sight of her retreating to the bathroom, shoulders shaking with silent cries, broke Anne's heart even more.
Anne turned to Sasha, her own tears now flowing freely. "Sasha, please understand..."
Sasha finally met Anne's gaze, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I get it, Anne. I really do. But it doesn't make it hurt any less."
Anne nodded, squeezing Sasha's hand one last time. "I'm sorry. I hope... I hope one day you'll forgive me."
Sasha pulled her hand away gently, standing up. "Take care of yourself, Anne." She left the café, the door swinging shut behind her, leaving Anne alone with her grief.
Anne stayed at the table for a few more moments, her heart heavy with the weight of what she had done. She knew it was the right decision, but that didn't make it any easier. As she finally stood up to leave, she hoped that someday, they could all find peace and maybe, just maybe, find their way back to each other.
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The café felt emptier than ever as Anne walked out into the night, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek.