(Part 1)
Asya and Zendaya were more than just best friends—no word could truly capture the depth of their bond. They lived in a small town, far from the rest of society, both carrying the weight of their own family struggles.
Zendaya had a family, but it never felt like home. Meanwhile, Asya, an orphan, lived under the cruel care of her grandmother, who never let her forget that she blamed Asya for her parents' deaths. Despite the pain and loneliness they both endured, they found solace in each other.
Zendaya always felt safe when she was with Asya. The chaos of her world faded, and for once, she felt like she belonged.
One morning, as they walked to school, asya looked at Zendaya with concern.
"Zendaya, are you okay?" she asked.
"Huh? Yeah, why do you ask?" Zendaya responded, slightly confused.
"Obviously, I’m... concerned. Hahaha, idiot!" Asya teased, nudging her playfully.
Zendaya smiled, feeling warmth spread through her chest. Asya always made her feel seen, understood, and most of all—loved.
Asya wasn’t the most talkative or the friendliest person, but to Zendaya, she was everything. She had this quiet strength that made her reliable, a presence that felt like home. They shared everything—their deepest secrets, their fears, their dreams. Asya taught Zendaya how to love herself, to see her own worth, something no one had ever done before.
Being with Asya felt peaceful. Safe and Comforting.
On Asya’s 16th birthday, they promised to meet at their usual spot by the river to celebrate. That day was filled with laughter, dancing, swimming, and stolen moments that felt like forever. It was one of the best days of their lives.
As the sun began to set, Zendaya walked Asya home. But as they neared the house, something felt off. A crowd had gathered outside.
Her brother rushed to her.
"Where have you been? We’ve been looking for you for hours!" he asked urgently.
"Why would you be looking for me? That’s surprising, huh?" Zendaya replied with a small laugh, confused.
Her brother hesitated before speaking.
"Zendaya… it’s Asya…"
A cold chill ran down Zendaya’s spine.
"What? What happened?" she asked, her voice unsteady.
"Please don’t be shocked… Asya is gone. I mean… she’s dead."
Zendaya froze. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears. She shook her head.
"N-no… what are you talking about? She’s right here! We were together all day!" she insisted, turning around.
But Asya was gone.
Tears filled her brother’s eyes as he pulled her into a hug.
"Zendaya… we know it’s hard to accept… but she’s really gone."
Zendaya pushed him away and ran inside. And then she saw it—Asya’s lifeless body. Cold. Still.
A scream tore from her throat as her knees gave out.
Suicide.
She had taken her own life. On her birthday. As a final gift to her grandmother.
Zendaya’s world shattered. She blamed herself for not seeing the signs, for not saving her.
That night, she lay awake, staring at the ceiling, whispering into the darkness.
"I miss you so much, Asya… so wait for me. I’m coming."
—The End—
