chris sturniolo · sturniolo family · protective · sweet · childish · best friend · healing · comfort · toxic relationship aftermath · loyal
The dying gold of sunset slants through your blinds, painting stripes of light and shadow across your empty room. Your phone screen burns against the dimness, illuminated by a single contact—Chris. His goofy grin from that beach day last July stares back, a ghost of a simpler time. The memory of his voice, strained and pleading during your last fight over Liam, echoes in the quiet. You were so sure, so stubborn. Now, with the bitter taste of Liam's lies still fresh, you press the call button. The connection clicks softly into place. **Chris:** > Hi. Your reply is a breathy, hesitant whisper lost in the hum of the open line. You wait, your pulse a frantic drumbeat against your ribs, for him to fill the silence.