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Song Credit: Coldplay, “Fix You”
The moon hung high, casting a silver light over the empty streets as Carlos rode his bike toward the river. He knew exactly where Klarissa would go—her secret spot by the bridge, the place she always went to hide from the world. The crickets and the distant rush of the river ricocheting off the rocks filled the air as he approached. The sight of her small silhouette, illuminated by the bridge lights and the moonlight, brought relief.
When you try your best, but you don’t succeed When you get what you want, but not what you need
Earlier that evening, the warmth of summer hung heavy over the small town, draping it in a humid veil as the day’s light slowly faded into twilight. Klarissa, with her heart pounding in anticipation, led Carlos through the bustling streets toward the Milk Shake bar. Carlos, her steadfast introverted best friend with a sharp mind for math and computer science, followed her dutifully, unknowingly into a secret crusade for love. Her short, brown hair dyed black with red tips mirrored the whirlwind of thoughts racing through her mind about Romeo. Klarissa had spent all of seventh grade gazing at Romeo from across the classroom, her mind weaving countless fantasies of the day he would see her as his Juliet.
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep Stuck in reverse
The Milk Shake Bar buzzed with lively laughter and chatter, its vibrant energy perfectly complementing the summer evening under a full moon. The bar was aglow with vibrant neon lights, casting a warm, inviting vibe that seemed to pulse with life, creating an almost magical ambiance over the bustling local hangout. Klarissa and Carlos slid into a booth by the window, the cool red leather seat offering a welcome relief from the heat outside. Klarissa’s eyes scanned the crowd, her heart skipping a beat when she finally spotted him—Romeo, strolling in with his group of three guy friends, the e-bikes parked out front like steeds from some epic tale.
When you lose something you can't replace When you love someone, but it goes to waste Could it be worse?
Romeo was the most popular kid in the seventh grade, tall and effortlessly cool with a natural talent for sports, admired by his peers for his confidence and charm. His presence was magnetic, even the air seemed to buzz with excitement as he sauntered to the counter. Klarissa’s breath caught in her throat as she nudged Carlos, whispering that they should sit closer. With a nervous smile, she slid onto the stool next to Romeo, Carlos taking the one beside her. The conversation between Romeo and his friends was a raucous of laughter and jokes, a world that Klarissa found intoxicating.
And high up above, or down below When you're too in love to let it go
The boys ordered their shakes, their carefree laughter echoing through the bar. Klarissa’s heart sank with each passing moment, her dreams of catching Romeo’s attention crumbling like a cookie in her hand. When the shakes arrived, the boys slurped them down, still lost in their own world, oblivious to the star-eyed girl beside them.
But if you never try, you'll never know Just what you're worth
Gathering all her courage, she turned to him, her voice trembling as she forced herself to break the silence. But Romeo barely glanced her way, his attention locked on the banter with his friends. “H-hi Romeo,” Klarissa stammered, her voice trembling with the weight of the moment. “The shakes here are amazing, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, no doubt, haha” Romeo replied casually, his friends chuckling along.
"I heard the Donut Shake is to die for.” Klarissa hinted after having overheard Romeo’s order. “My favorite is Strawberry. Feels great to be done with seventh grade, right?" she added, trying to keep her smile steady.
Romeo looked at her, puzzled. "Wait, were you in my class?”
“Oh yeah, I am Klarissa… you don’t remember me?” Klarissa replied softly, her heart sinking with disappointment.
Invisible to everyone, Carlos’ heart sank. He reached out with his right hand, hovering above Klarissa’s right shoulder, shaking with uncertainty before pulling away.
Romeo, absorbed in a friend’s joke, missed Klarissa’s quiet reply. Her heart sank, and the heavy weight of embarrassment weighed down on her head. As the shame spiraled within her, Klarissa slipped into a familiar numbness, her refuge from the overwhelming tide of emotions. The boys vanished as swiftly as they came—leaving Klarissa to face the check and the overwhelming pain of heartbreak.
Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the neon lights of the bar as they spilled over her cheeks. Carlos, having witnessed his companion’s tragedy, reached into his pocket, ready to pay the bill. But Klarissa, lost in her devastation, turned her insufferable shame into rage. She blamed Carlos for everything, her voice breaking with sobs. "This is all your fault. If you weren’t here… Romeo might like me. Boys don’t like me and it’s all your fault, ” she cried, her words sharp and biting. As the anger slightly subsided, Klarissa saw Carlos, quietly and calmly absorbing all her vitriol, further inflaming her shame spiral. “I just want someone to like me. Why doesn’t anyone love me?”
And ignite your bones And I will try to fix you Tears stream down your face
Carlos didn’t flinch at her harsh words. Enveloped in the tender folds of compassion, he found himself lost in the depths of her unspoken suffering.
The other patrons in the shop were staring, their eyes heavy with curiosity and pity. Klarissa couldn’t take it anymore. She bolted out of the bar, her tears leaving a trail behind her. Carlos quietly paid the bill and stepped out into the night.
When you lose something you cannot replace Tears stream down your face, and I
Now, back at the river, Carlos walked up slowly, careful not to startle Klarissa, as she sat with her head buried in her knees, body trembling with quiet sobs. Without a word, Carlos took a seat beside her, the cool breeze brushing past them. Nervously, he extended his right hand, letting it hover for a moment before he let it fall gently on her shoulder, an offering of comfort. Klarissa stiffened at first, her body recoiling from the unfamiliar feeling, but then, as if instinctual, she invited the warmth and safety in his touch, allowing herself to relax. Her tears flowed freely as she turned and buried her face in his chest, hugging him tightly, as though he were the only thing keeping her from falling apart.
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes Tears stream down your face, and I
Carlos held her close, taking in all her suffering as if it were his own. Klarissa’s cries slowly subsided, her breathing evening out as she melted into Carlos’s embrace. In that moment, beneath the moonshine, they found home in each other.
Lights will guide you home And ignite your bones And I will try to fix you