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It was almost too perfect. Autumn had arrived, and Annie decided to take Jeff with her on a little weekend getaway. She’d booked an Airbnb near a lake, and now, she and Jeff sat outside on a porch swing, staring out over the water as the sky turned a deep blue.
Annie rested her head on Jeff’s shoulder, grateful to have him by her side. Although things were still casual between the two, Annie couldn’t deny just how badly she yearned for a deeper connection with Jeff. Deep down, she was worried about their friendship being compromised by any sort of commitment, but she’d tell him how she felt eventually. Maybe.
Jeff held Annie’s hand in his, and she smiled, trying to hide the butterflies in her stomach that were coming out in full force. Annie realized that this wasn’t just a silly crush. She was in love, and repressing these feelings destroyed her internally. Still, it seemed better to put on a smile and pretend everything’s fine.
They had spent the past fifteen minutes sitting in blissful silence, accompanied by occasional contented sighs from Annie. As darkness began to surround the property, Annie spoke.
“Thank you for coming with me,” she said quietly.
“No problem,” Jeff grinned. “Anything to get away from Greendale’s chaos for a little while.”
Annie nodded. “It has been one hell of a semester, hasn’t it?”
“Yeah,” agreed Jeff. “I’m honestly surprised that the school is still standing after the In-DEAN-pendence Day event…”
“It was entertaining seeing Frankie rip him a new one,” laughed Annie.
“I’d say it was more cathartic for me.”
“Either way,” continued Annie, “I’m also glad we’re away from all that.”
She paused. “Jeff?”
“What’s up?”
“I lo—“
***
Just like that, Annie woke up, and everything was gone.
She buried her face in her pillow, an overwhelming feeling of despair taking over as she thought of how life could have been, but never would be.