Marvin hung up the phone, and I sank back into the couch, memories of that trophy flooding my mind.
I had always hated practicing the piano, but my parents made me stick with it.
To my surprise, I turned out to be quite talented, winning numerous competitions and eventually snagging one of the most prestigious piano awards in the world.
I couldn't wait to share my excitement with Marvin.
When I did, he held me close, his gaze filled with pride.
"Freya, I knew you could do it," he said, beaming.
"You're just going to have to step up your game," I teased, running my fingers along his jawline.
"Don't worry, I'll match your brilliance," he replied, his expression turning serious. "I have to be worthy of you."
Now, he had built an impressive career for himself, shining like a star. Maybe in his eyes, I no longer measured up.
Exhausted, I lay on the couch, drifting into a restless sleep. In my dreams, I was still coughing, my body pushed to its limits, desperately trying to grasp something, anything.
The next morning, I woke up to find my pillow stained with alarming blood.