Departed

The train station buzzed with travelers' hurried movements; each lost in their own world of departure and arrival. With a heavy heart, Clare stood on the platform, her train's imminent departure looming. She had to say it—she had to confess her feelings to Andrew before it was too late.

Spotting him amidst the crowd, Clare approached Andrew with a determined stride. "Andrew," she called out, her voice carrying a mix of urgency and vulnerability.

Andrew turned to face her, a polite smile on his face. "Hey, Clare. Ready for your trip?"

But Clare wasn't here for small talk. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what must be said. "Andrew, we need to talk. About us."

Andrew's brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "Sure, what's on your mind?"

Clare gazed at him with intensity. "I know, Andrew. I know you still love me, but there's something holding you back. Something you're not telling me. I need to know, and I need to know now."

His expression shifted, a guarded look replacing the casual facade. "Clare, I—"

In a desperate attempt to bridge the emotional gap, Clare touched Andrew's arm gently. "Andrew, please. Let me in. I can help you if you just—"

But before she could finish, Andrew calmly broke away from her touch, avoiding the connection she sought. He took a step back, maintaining a measured distance. "Clare, there's nothing to tell. I don't know what you're talking about."

Clare, undeterred, moved closer, her eyes pleading. "Andrew, we can face this together. You don't have to carry it alone."

He shook his head, creating a physical distance between them. "Clare, this isn't the time. We've both moved on. It's time for you to go."

Tears welled up in Clare's eyes, frustration and heartache across her face. "Andrew, please. Don't shut me out. We can make it work."

But he remained resolute, avoiding any physical closeness. "Clare, it's over. You need to go."

Feeling the weight of his detachment, Clare reluctantly stepped back. The reality of Andrew's calm avoidance hit her hard, and she struggled to maintain composure. "Fine, Andrew. If that's how it is, then I'll go."

As Clare headed toward the waiting train, Andrew was left alone, looking forlorn. The unspoken emotions, the unanswered secret, and the deliberate avoidance of physical closeness lingered in the air—a silent echo of what could have been. The train pulled away, carrying Clare and her unspoken feelings into the distance, leaving Andrew alone with the burden of a choice that had sealed their fates.