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5. Painful Memories

Starla experienced a profound change in her relationship with Nick since the pandemic struck. Previously, they always blended harmoniously, but now it felt like an insurmountable distance. However, despite the constant waves of negative thoughts, Starla steadfastly refused to be trapped in negativity. For her, maintaining a positive mindset was key to preserving her relationship with Nick.

The pandemic not only shook public health but also the global economy. The company where Nick worked had to resort to mass layoffs, including Nick himself. Starla felt this blow affected more than just employment; it fundamentally changed Nick.

Nick, once spirited and cheerful, now became a shadow of his former self. Starla sensed this shift, as if Nick had been trapped in a dark labyrinth of thoughts. Starla’s efforts to restore their communication only met with Nick’s silent walls. Even when Starla tried to start conversations to uncover what was happening, Nick seemed indifferent.

The darkness surrounding Nick deepened. Starla realized Nick had fallen into threatening depression. Unbeknownst to her, Nick started using illicit drugs as an escape from his suffering. Starla was deeply saddened by this sight, but her love for Nick remained an unwavering driving force.

In her dim world, Starla remained faithful. She found a depth of love guiding her to stay with Nick, even when the current felt contrary. Starla didn’t lose heart; with patience and perseverance, she struggled to bring back the old Nick. The joy that once filled their days, the sincerity in laughter, all became her purest hopes.

Every day, Starla approached Nick with a loving heart. She reminded herself that beneath the dreadful shadows was a person who once made her feel alive. Starla didn’t give up. She learned about depression, figuring out the best ways to approach Nick without pressure or blame.

Despite the darkness, Starla brought light. She devised strategies to help Nick rediscover his motivation, though it often felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. Starla’s love knew no bounds. She was ready to accompany Nick through the darkest alleys, leading him out of the storm raging within.

Starla believed that one day, Nick would return. The return of the cheerful, spirited Nick would be the fruit of their joint struggle and perseverance. Until then, Starla would continue to stand by his side, whispering words of love and hope, because for Starla, love was the light that could illuminate their path through the looming darkness.

Starla felt waves of joy flowing through her when Nick’s call changed the atmosphere of her night. Nick’s gentle and hopeful voice made Starla believe that a turning point had arrived. Perhaps, she thought, this was the first step towards the return of their happiness.

Without hesitation, Starla prepared eagerly. She dressed beautifully, bringing a dish she had just made with love, believing that this night would be the pinnacle of happiness they had awaited for so long. Her steps were light as she exited the elevator towards Nick’s apartment, her heart filled with unstoppable enthusiasm.

However, when the apartment door didn’t open after repeated knocks, worry began to creep into Starla’s heart. Without further thought, she boldly stepped inside. But what she found behind the door was startling darkness.

Inside the apartment, Starla was confronted by two mysterious and frightening figures, their faces obscured by dark masks. Their presence filled Starla with deep anxiety. Her eyes darted between them, searching for signs of Nick.

“Enough, don’t be afraid, Beautiful,” one of them said, startling Starla. “We just want to make you comfortable here.”

Starla’s body trembled as she began to realize Nick wasn’t there. Her voice rose in volume, searching for the person always in her thoughts. “Nick! Where’s Nick?!”

Distressed and confused, Starla tried to find Nick with deep concern. However, the answer she received struck her heart hard. “Why bother thinking about that worthless man? He doesn’t even have anything to pay his debts. But luckily, he has such a beautiful girlfriend, and you are part of that deal. He sold you to us.”

Everything they said felt like a harsh blow to Starla. She refused to believe it, but a recording of Nick’s voice coming from one of them made her lose her footing. The cruelty of reality sent Starla reeling backward, her body feeling cornered against the wall.

Disaster had struck Starla on that dark night. All the hopes she had pinned on Nick suddenly vanished. Her beliefs crumbled like ruins, and Starla found herself trapped in unimaginable fear. That night, Starla not only lost hope but also lost faith in herself and the love that had blinded her. She was trapped in a dark world, bound by cruelty she had never imagined before.

With a broken heart and wounded soul, Starla reported all the terrible events to the police. For Starla, it was a nightmare that suddenly shattered her life, sweeping away all hope in one chilling gust of wind. She had never imagined she would be in a position to report someone she loved so dearly to authorities for the evil deeds that had destroyed everything. Yet here she was, surrounded by emptiness and indescribable void.

Starla sat curled up on her own, holding herself tightly as if bracing against waves of unbearable sadness. She felt she could trust no one after what happened. Nick had buried his soul in one night, extinguishing the light that once shone brightly within him. Yet, when she finally saw Nick apprehended, Starla’s gaze didn’t emit hatred but deep sorrow. Her heart refused to lament Nick with hatred, replacing it with unspeakable pity and confusion.

Starla couldn’t understand. How could someone she loved so much do such a despicable thing? Her heart refused to justify Nick’s actions by claiming he had just lost his way. Nevertheless, Starla continued to endure endless confusion and sorrow. When it was revealed that Nick had indeed sold Starla’s dignity to pay off his mounting debts, Starla felt her world crumble before her. She was the only way out for Nick to free himself from debt shackles. The betrayal felt like an unforgettable blow, leaving a deep wound in Starla’s heart.

Nick was eventually sentenced to eight years in prison for his heinous actions. However, ironically, the two people who aided him in these deeds have yet to be found. They were dark shadows disappearing amidst the destruction they left behind. For Starla, her future felt like a dark and winding path. She had to learn to heal and rebuild trust in herself. However, despite being hurt, Starla refused to let this event ruin her forever. She would continue to fight, seeking light amidst the darkness creeping in her heart, even though Nick’s shadows never faded from her memory.

...

From the doorway, Luna observed Starla, lost in thought on her bed, with a sense of pity. She wondered silently, how long would her friend continue to be haunted by painful memories of her past?

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