The truck comes to a halt as we bask in the golden sunlight of Seraphia’s neat streets. We part ways, and the truck locks its doors. Weekend — a little break from the chaos within me. I don’t deserve love. Yet when the opportunity arrives, I don’t shut its door.

The moment my diary was within the palms of my hands, I couldn’t look at it. The overwhelming memories of pain and despair linger on the pages. I’ve lost my purpose, and Julia restored it. Maybe I’m a cynic, but something tells me our love story will be tested.

The moment I step into the apartment, the sweet aroma of vanilla lingers in the air. Julia runs toward me, her arms reaching for mine.

“Ethan, I’ve been waiting for you. You have to see this.”

I’m not annoyed — just tired. “Fine, what is it?”

She pulls out a matching pair of bracelets.

“So? What do you think?”

Bracelets — a souvenir, nothing else. It’s golden, with a heart holding it all together in the middle.

“It’s nice. Pretty.”

The fresh taste of orange juice lingers in my mouth. My eyelids begin to feel heavier with each passing second. “Julia, look, I’m gonna have to catch some sleep. Her smile warms my core. Hours must have passed by the time I wake up, Julia still sitting next to me, tears streaming down her face.

In a gentle motion, I pull her into my embrace. “Hey, why are you crying?”

Her head tilts up from her hands, tears dripping from her chin. “My mom got into a car accident. She was riding her bike to my aunt’s place outside of town.”

I stroke her hair, wiping some of her tears away.

“We can visit her. And we’ll leave once it gets too emotionally straining for you. Sound like a plan?”Her sadness turns to a weak smile, and in a matter of minutes, we get ready. A warm breeze passes as my truck’s brand becomes more readable with every meter. Endless silence plagues our minds as we get closer to our destination. Hospitals — I’ve always despised them. Long corridors and distressed patients waiting for their loved ones’ results. Agony and despair are apparent on the faces of once-happy people.

As visiting hours begin, I pace toward Lara’s room.

“She’s fine, right?” Her arms are broken, with minor scrapes. The doctor leaves us alone after giving us the diagnosis. Lara sits upright, knowing she won’t be able to leave for at least two days. The paperwork is already done, and her cast is wrapped around her arm.

“You’re here, Ethan. Didn’t expect that.”

I plan to visit her with Julia whenever she feels up to it. I get the sense she’s not very fond of me — I’d like to change that.

“The fact you even showed up already gives me plenty of reasons to question your intentions.” Her gaze scans me, and my hands begin to tremble.

“You can stay — for now.” The room seems filled with tension.“Mom, please stop it.” Julia rolls her eyes, a glass of water in her right hand.“What even happened, Lara?” She pauses, her guard faltering for a second before she returns to her usual demeanor.

“Drunk guy. Didn’t even bother to check the road before driving. I jumped away, just wasn’t agile enough.”The wincing on her face becomes visible once she tries to maneuver her arm.

“What is it you see in this guy, anyway?” The fluorescent light buzzes quietly in the background.“I don’t wanna argue, please.”

Her eyes snap toward mine.“Conflicts? You think I wanted this?”

Lara’s lips touch the glass’s rim as she takes a sip of water. “She hates me. I told you.”

She scoffs, glancing at the window before looking back.

“You’re just gonna be another one of them.”

She fixes her hair as we all sit there in silence.

“Someone who’s gonna deliver pain, rather than love, just to leave in the end.”

Julia steps in, trying to defuse the situation. Her eyes are full of emotion. Her legs spring up as she stands in front of the bed’s footrest.

“Mom, stop it. You know what?”

She prepares herself, wanting to tell her something — something she’s been afraid to say.

Julia begins pacing left and right.

“I’ve had enough of your protector act.”

She pauses, waiting for a reaction.

“I’m sick of you destroying my relationships just to guard me from pain. I can take care of myself. You should try that.”

With that, Julia’s hand grips mine, pulling me away from the room. We walk down the hall, making our way to the main entrance.

“I’m sorry. I know she only wants what’s best for me. But the protection isn’t protecting me.”

The air outside feels perfect for the fall season. Leaves brush against each other as the wind combs through the trees. A stone pebble flies away as my kick retreats.

“Julia, she hates me. I told you.”

People walk past us, carrying pralines. Hope is etched on their faces.

Lara and I might not have started on the best of terms, but our conflict can’t sustain forever. It has to end.

Uncertainty plagues my mind as cars drive by and families walk past the hospital.

“Wanna go back, Jules?”

My heart halts as our eyes meet.

“We don’t have to, Ethan. It’s okay.”

After some talking and convincing one another, we eventually head back. The room now feels warm and tight, the tension almost gone.

“You’ve returned.” A cold smile is written on her face.

“Not giving up.”

A trace of hope crosses me.

“You may not like me, Lara,” I breathe after a few seconds, “but we will have to call a truce at some point.”

Julia joins in, a little sip moistening her lips.

“Mom, please! Promise me you won’t destroy this one.”

She fights the anger and sadness in her words.

“Mom, don’t make him leave like the other ones.”

Tears build up on her eyelids as her voice begins to quiver.

“Please, Mom, just stop protecting me. If you love me.”

Her arm grabs mine, dragging me out of the room. A statement left for Lara — something she can’t seem to comprehend, consequences catching up to her.