Chapter 101: In The Rain

As Juliet set the phone on the table, a message popped on her screen. She peered down at it as she scanned through the words. And just two words stood out: dinner date. She could already guess who the message was from. She sighed and picked up the phone.

"Hey, Erick." She started in a calm voice, her head lowering gradually till it was on the desk.

"Hi Juliet. How are you?" He asked softly, sounding cheerful and enthusiastic.

"I just saw your text." Her words were unexpectedly bland. Erick noticed.

"Are you okay? I asked how you were but you said nothing."

"You shouldn't worry about me, Erick. I just called to tell you that I can't go on a date with you tonight. I really need to get some rest."

"You don't sound okay to me, Juliet. Quit telling me to not worry about you. I care about you and I hope you know that. Just tell me what's wrong." It suddenly felt the weight of the burden she was fighting so hard to ignore was pressing mercilessly against her. She didn't know when tears ran d