The Chapter I Don’t Want to Leave

For the past few days, I’ve been surrounded by people—voices, laughter, movement all around me—yet I have never felt more alone. The presence that once brought me comfort is gone, and the space it leaves behind feels too wide, too cold.

I’m stepping into a new chapter of my life, but my heart is still clinging to the last one. You know that feeling when you’re reading a beautiful book, and you reach that chapter—the one that sweeps you away, the one you never want to end? That’s where I am. I want to linger there forever, but the pages keep turning without my permission.

Now, I’m left with this hollow ache. My body feels heavy, my thoughts scattered. Sleep doesn’t come, food has no taste, and even pretending to smile feels impossible. I’m just here—stuck—asking the same question over and over: Why?