The morning came slower than usual, like even the day didn't know how to start properly after everything that happened.
Ella barely spoke when she woke up. She just sat for a while, staring at nothing, like her mind was somewhere far away from the room. I could tell she wasn't really present, even though she was sitting right in front of me.
At some point she finally stood up and started gathering her things quietly.
I watched her without saying anything at first, trying to understand what she was thinking.
"I think I should go back to my hostel," she said softly, not really looking at me.
It wasn't a question.
I nodded slowly. "Okay."
She hesitated like she wanted to say more, but nothing came out. Her fingers tightened around her bag strap instead.
For a second, I almost told her to stay, just because the idea of her leaving so soon felt strange after everything that happened. But I stopped myself. I could see it in her face — she wasn't running away. She was just trying to breathe in her own space again.
So I stepped aside a little.
"If you need anything, just call me," I said quietly.
She gave a small nod.
Then she walked toward the door.
I followed her out, not too close, just enough to make sure she actually got going properly. The air outside felt different from inside my room, like reality was slowly settling back in after being paused.
Ella stopped for a moment before leaving completely.
She turned slightly back toward me.
"Thanks… for staying with me," she said, her voice softer than usual.
I shook my head a little. "You don't have to thank me."
She gave a faint nod, then turned and started walking away.
I stood there watching her until she disappeared from view.
Only then did it fully hit me how heavy the last few hours had been.
When I finally turned back inside, the room felt too quiet.
Empty quiet.
I didn't even have an appetite that morning.
I just sat there for a while, staring at nothing in particular, letting the quiet wrap around me even though it didn't feel comforting.
My phone buzzed suddenly.
I blinked and looked down.
Jay.
A message popped up on the screen.
I ordered something nice for you already. Don't stress yourself today, just get ready for our date later 🤍
I stared at it for a second.
And for the first time since everything with Ella started, something in my chest loosened a little.
I opened my door and saw a delivery man standing there with a red gift bag tied neatly with black ribbons.
For a second I just stared at it like I wasn't expecting anything, then I reached for it slowly as he handed it over and left without saying much.
My heart already started feeling a little lighter even before I knew what was inside.
I immediately called Jay.
"Hey my love," I said the moment he picked up.
"My baby," he answered warmly, like he was smiling already. "Did you get my gift?"
I smiled to myself as I held the bag tighter. "Yes, I did. I haven't opened it yet though, I just received it."
"But what's inside though?" I asked, curious now.
He chuckled softly. "It's something nice. I want us to match for our date."
That made me smile even more. "Aww, you're so sweet. I'll open it now."
There was a small pause before he spoke again, his voice softer this time. "I wish I was there when you're opening it. I'd love to see your beautiful smile."
I laughed a little, feeling my cheeks warm instantly. "I'll be back. I need to get a few things done. I'll text you when I'm done, okay?"
"Okay," he said gently. "I love you."
My heart paused for a second at the softness in his voice.
"I love you more," I replied before ending the call.
I stood there for a moment holding the bag like I already knew it was going to be something special. Then I finally opened it slowly, my curiosity growing with every second.
Inside was a sky blue jersey paired with matching blue jorts, folded so neatly it almost felt too pretty to touch. I lifted them out carefully, already imagining how they would look together.
My eyes caught a small note at the bottom of the bag.
I picked it up and read it slowly.
My love, I hope you love it. I know it'll look beautiful on you. I noticed you didn't like the idea of a restaurant date, so I thought this would be more your vibe… an arcade date.
A soft laugh slipped out of me before I could even stop it.
It felt so thoughtful, so intentional, like he actually paid attention to me in a way that mattered.
My cheeks warmed as I held the outfit closer, unable to stop smiling.
He really is the sweetest.
And for the first time that day, I actually felt excited about something again.
I couldn't wait for our date.
A date with my sweet boy.