Tara woke up to the sound of someone knocking on her door. Still half-asleep, she got up and opened it. Standing outside was Elena her roommate.
Elena looked at her with concern.
"Tara, what happened yesterday? You didn't talk to me… even in college you ignored me. Do you have any problem? Or… did you get a new friend?"
Tara's expression hardened slightly.
"I don't have any problem. And even if I did get a new friend, what's your problem?"
Without waiting for a reply, she walked past Elena and headed to brush her teeth.
After that, she went to the kitchen, boiled some milk, and quickly got ready. She poured cornflakes into the milk and ate in silence. Once done, she grabbed her bag and left for the bus stop.
Halfway there, she suddenly stopped.
"My project!"
Within seconds, she turned and ran back to her room, quickly grabbing the file before rushing out again. Elena watched all of this silently, a strange feeling growing inside her. Something was definitely wrong with Tara.
At college, Tara felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. Her professor had asked to see her project today.
After class, Nara came up to her.
"The professor (Dr.Ethan Walker) wants to see your work."
Tara nodded and followed her.
The Ethan carefully went through her project. As he flipped through the pages, his expression changed into surprise.
"Wow… this is amazing," he said. "Why would they reject this? I never expected this level of work from you. You have real ability, Tara."
Tara stayed silent.
"I'll talk to them," he continued. "There must be some mistake."
Tara shook her head immediately.
"No, sir. If you talk to them, it'll feel like I got a chance because of someone's help. I don't want that."
The Ethan sighed.
"You have a bit of a complex, Tara. Your work deserves recognition. If it was rejected, at least we should know why."
Nara nodded in agreement, supporting him.
After a moment, Tara finally gave in.
"…Okay."
As usual, Tara went to her part-time job after college. But today, something felt different.
Advik wasn't there.
Her thoughts drifted.
Why didn't he come today?
Then she quickly shook her head.
Why would he come every day? I'm such a fool…
After finishing her shift, she bought some groceries and vegetables and got on the bus. It was crowded no seats were available. She stood there, struggling to hold the heavy bag.
After a moment, she asked a nearby passenger for help. The woman kindly agreed and held the bag for her.
Suddenly
"Tara!"
She turned around.
It was her Ethan , sitting in the middle row. She walked toward him, taking back her bag.
"Do you need a seat?" he asked.
She smiled politely.
"No, sir. It's okay… but if you don't mind, could you hold this?"
He chuckled and took the bag.
"So," he asked, "you don't go home after class?"
"I work part-time in a supermarket," she replied.
"And you, sir?" she asked.
"I'm going to check out a new apartment," he said, mentioning the street name.
Tara's eyes widened slightly.
That street silver oak it was the same place where Advik lived.
A small, unexpected excitement filled her.
After a while, she pointed ahead.
"That's my stop, sir. I'll go now."
She stepped down from the bus, her heart still strangely light.
Why am I so happy today…?
Just because it's connected to him…?
As she walked home, her thoughts shifted again this time darker.
How am I going to face her…?
She felt anger rising inside her.
I hate her…
If anyone else had done this even an enemy I wouldn't feel this hurt.
Why did Elena do this…?
By the time she reached home, her mind was a mess.
She freshened up and went straight to the kitchen, quietly arranging all the groceries and vegetables neatly in their places.
From a distance, Elena watched her… again and again.
Finally, she called out
"Tara… I need to talk to you."
She paused for a second.
"Whether you have time or not… I need to talk."