Patches of silky onyx fell in front of her eyes as her head shifted to glance dejectedly at her sleeping beloved. Her eyelids fluttered and wetness clouded her vision. The one person who was supposed to understand her heart, especially her ups and downs, had become farther away than all of the miles between them in a matter of a few hours. It was unreal, and would happen to anyone else but her. That was how lesbian relationships were supposed to work, weren't they? Understanding, loving, tentative, special…

“How is it possible?” Vivian whispered to no one in particular, voice cracking unintentionally. “How can any of this misunderstanding be remotely possible? I thought you understood me. I thought you knew who I was, Aster. I just wanted to spend time with you and you alone. I thought you knew that.”

The water flooded her dam and Vivian forced herself to look away, a hand reaching up to cup one of her swollen eyes. At the other end of the stoic room, Aster remained soft and motionless; the careless, ugly display mocked Vivian secretly.

‘God, now I’m crying…’

Vivian nibbled on the bottom of her lip anxiously and sat up shakily from her spot. Already, fat tears were streaming down her cheeks in an endless cascade. The brunette’s knees gave and Vivian found herself sitting back down on the tiny bench with a thud. She crossed her legs, Indian style, and looked down as she wiped away her shimmering tears with the tips of her hands.

‘I can’t fall apart. Not now. I need…no, I have to make a stand.’ Vivian thought, hands balling into loose fists. ‘And in order to do that, I can’t…do this; right now….with…with….’

Vivian was unable to finish the thought because she knew exactly what had to be done. The thought was too terrifying, but the instinct was strong enough to propel her through the darkness.

And so, hours of silence passed between them. The day changed but their hearts did not.

Neither said a word, and both of the lovers preferred it that way. Any word spoken would have probably broken what was left of their relationship; a relationship that was already starting to crumble to dust without nurture and attentive love. Perhaps it was fate. After all, every beginning had to have an end.

Every beginning was made to have an end. After the hellfire of today, Vivian wasn't so sure if anything was meant to last past forever.

***