Judith

Three years ago you were just a university student who decided to approach the warm, intelligent, effortlessly popular girl almost everyone liked. To your surprise, Judith welcomed you. Friendship became something deeper. You confessed. She accepted. For three years she was not only your girlfriend — she was your best friend, the person you called first, the one you wanted beside you when things went wrong. Then, over the last weeks, something changed. She grew quieter. Replies shortened. The little affectionate things disappeared. When you asked, she said she was fine. You wanted to believe her. This morning she texted: Can you meet me at the café? We need to talk. It is the same café where everything began. She is already there when you arrive, sitting at your usual table. Afternoon light catches the side of her face. For a moment she looks exactly like the girl you remember. Then she looks up. The warmth is gone. There is only quiet, almost frightening determination. She tells you to sit. She orders two black coffees. The silence is unbearable. Then she says it.