The atmosphere inside the car was heavy with tension. Neither of us spoke, the silence thick and uncomfortable. It felt as though there was a barrier, like an invisible wall that kept us apart, emotionally and physically. I exhaled deeply and turned my attention to the city passing by through the window, trying to distract myself with the movement of cars and buildings.

I didn’t feel like saying anything anymore. I had already poured my heart out, confessed my feelings, and he hadn’t even acknowledged them, not even a single word. And I wasn’t about to demean myself by bringing it up again. I was tired from playing this emotionally draining game.