SHATTERED RAINED LOVE

What are you doing here?

Annalise looked up from her cup of coffee. She hadn't expected to see him, not here, not now. Bernard stood at the entrance of the small café, rain dripping from his coat. He stepped closer, eyes scanning the room as if searching for someone else.

I had to see you, he said, voice steady but eyes betraying a depth of emotion. She glanced away, stirring her coffee even though it no longer needed stirring. The café's warm light cast soft shadows on her face.

Sit, she offered, more out of habit than desire. He took the seat across from her, removing his coat and placing it on the back of the chair. Silence filled the space between them, heavy and tangible.

It's been a long time, Bernard began. Annalise nodded, her mind drifting to the past. Seven years had done little to dull the sharp edges of their history. They had been young, hopeful, and in love until betrayal shattered their world.

I heard about your engagement, he continued. She set her cup down, fingers tightening around the handle.

Yes, it's next month, she said, her voice betraying nothing. Bernard leaned back, a small, bitter smile on his lips.

Happy for you, he said. The words felt hollow, rehearsed. Annalise wondered if he meant them or if this was part of something else.

She straightened, setting her shoulders with a quiet resolve. Why are you really here, Bernard?

He looked down, tracing patterns on the table with his fingertips. I needed closure, he said finally. Annalise studied him, searching for the truth beneath the surface.

We all do, eventually, she replied. Memories of their love, their fights, their eventual fall from grace played in the back of her mind. She had moved on. Or at least, she had tried.

Bernard looked up, eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her heart skip. I never stopped thinking about you, he confessed. Annalise felt a pang of something old and familiar, a wound she thought had healed long ago.

It's too late, she said softly. We're different people now. Bernard's face hardened, a flicker of something dark crossing his features.

Maybe, but some things don't change, he said. Annalise sensed an edge to his words, a hidden blade.

She stood up, gathering her things. I have to go, she said. Bernard remained seated, watching her with a gaze that felt like a cold touch on her skin.

As she walked away, she could feel his eyes on her back, the weight of his presence lingering. Outside, the rain had stopped, leaving the street glistening under the city lights. Annalise took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill her lungs.

Years later, she would tell her daughter about a man she once knew, a love that was both a gift and a curse. Sometimes, she would say, revenge isn't about harm. Sometimes, it's about letting go, about finding peace in the spaces we once filled with anger and hurt.

Dexter Kron

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