Zain walked home slower than usual, kicking loose rocks down the sidewalk as he went. The sun was starting to set, casting long shadows on the pavement.
By the time he reached his house, Ella’s car was gone. Relief washed over him, but it didn’t last long. His mom was standing by the front door, arms crossed, watching him like a hawk.
“Hey,” Zain said, trying to sound casual.
His mom didn’t respond right away. She just stepped aside, letting him in with a look that made it clear she wasn’t done being mad.
Zain slipped off his shoes and tossed his bag by the stairs. “I said I was sorry.”
“You keep saying that,” his mom replied sharply, “but nothing changes.”
Zain sighed, running his hand through his hair. “It’s not that deep. I just forgot.”
“You didn’t forget. You chose not to come home, Zain.”
That made him pause.
“I’m not interested in Ella,” Zain muttered. “I told you that already.”
“That’s not the point.” His mom’s tone softened slightly. “We’re not forcing anything on you. But you can’t just avoid people when it’s inconvenient.”
“I wasn’t avoiding her.”
His mom raised an eyebrow.
“Okay, maybe I was,” Zain admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
She sighed and leaned against the wall. “Theo’s a good friend, but you need to find balance. You can’t spend all your time with him and ignore everyone else.”
Zain frowned. “Why not?”
“Because, Zain… one day, you’ll wish you kept certain people around.”
Zain didn’t say anything. He didn’t agree, but arguing felt pointless.
“I’ll apologize to Ella,” he said finally, just to end the conversation.
His mom nodded, but her eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, like she wanted to say more. Instead, she just squeezed his shoulder lightly before walking to the kitchen.
Zain stood there for a second, staring at the spot where she had been.
He pulled out his phone and texted Theo.
Zain: “Guess I survived. Barely.”15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhiq8VO0a7
Theo: “Told you. Should’ve stayed here.”15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQxUz3q1Fl
Zain: “Might take you up on that next time.”15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDER7V4WyI
Theo: “My couch is always open.”
Zain smiled down at his phone, ignoring the sinking feeling in his chest.
He didn’t know why, but somehow, he felt like this wasn’t the last time he’d be having this conversation.
ns 15.158.61.44da2
