chapter twenty-five.
she's gone, mom
💔
disclaimer: I hope everything in Spanish is accurate!! I used Spanishdict like someone told me too !! Hopefully it's correct :)) but thank you to that person (I forgot their username, my bad)
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STRANGER THINGS 3
episode eight

WHEN JOSIES EARS caught the familiar cadence of her mom's voice, an electric surge of emotion propelled the Cortez girl forward. Without a second thought, she raced towards her mother, enveloping her in a tight, heartfelt hug, tears streaming down her face and finding solace in her mother's arms. The group, witnessing this poignant reunion, respectfully gave space for everyone to reconnect with the adults. Among them, Charlotte, who had always regarded Estefina as a second mother, was overcome with emotion, her tears mirroring the profound depth of the moment.

Estefina, Josefina, and Charlotte settled onto the fountain bench, joining the group. Mike earnestly conveyed the looming threat, "The Mind Flayer constructed a monstrous entity in Hawkins, aiming to thwart Josie, take El, and breach into our world. We need to act."

Estefina held Charlotte and Josefina close, her arms forming a shield of protection around them. Regret etched on her face for not staying behind to confront Billy, wishing she had defended her girl. Max somberly disclosed, "It almost achieved its goal. What you saw was just a minuscule part of it." Hopper's scrutinizing gaze rested on Max as he pressed, "How immense is the scale of this malevolent force?"

Jonathan interjected, "It's big," his voice a subdued murmur. "Thirty feet, at the very least," he added, emphasizing the daunting scale of the looming threat.

An air of nervousness surrounded Lucas as he spoke, remorse evident in his voice. "It... it pretty much decimated your cabin," he admitted, a heavy pause hanging in the air. His eyes nervously flicked to Hopper's face, catching a glimpse of disappointment etched on the sheriff's features. "Sorry," Lucas whispered, the weight of the revelation sinking in as he immediately fell into an uneasy silence, realizing the impact of his words on Hopper.

Steve sought clarification, his brow furrowed in confusion. "So, just to make sure I've got this right, that enormous, fleshy spider thing that hurt El and stabbed Jo – it's essentially some kind of gigantic weapon?" The uncertainty in his voice mirrored the puzzled expression on his face, as he grappled with the unsettling revelation.

Nancy, her hand gently rubbing the back of her neck, confirmed, "Yes," her nod emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Hopper, still processing, sought further understanding, "So, instead of typical components like screws and metal, the Mind Flayer crafted its weapon... using melted people?"

Nancy responded with a hint of annoyance in her tone, "Yes, exactly," prompting raised eyebrows from Robin and Josie. Steve, trying to process the information, shrugged his shoulders and said, "Yeah, okay. I— yeah, I'm just making sure."

Josie, sensing Steve's embarrassment, felt a wave of secondhand discomfort. Nancy's cold demeanor didn't escape her notice; her raised eyebrows and nervous lip-biting reflected the tension in the air. Avoiding eye contact, Josie couldn't bear the weight of Steve's mistake, the embarrassment palpable in the atmosphere.

Joyce's gaze lifted, her concern evident in the lines on her face. "Are we absolutely sure this thing is still out there, still alive?" Her voice trembled with a mix of fear and uncertainty. Max shook her head, a somber acknowledgment, "Josie gave it a beating, but, yeah, it's still very much alive."  she confirmed.

"But if we close the gate again," Will chimed in, his voice filled with determination. "We cut the brain off from the body," Max added confidently. "Yeah, and kill it, theoretically." Lucas interjected, emphasizing the finality of their plan.

Estefina sighed, preparing to speak, but her words were abruptly interrupted by a loud yell. "Yoo-hoo!" An unfamiliar voice pierced the air, drawing their attention. All heads turned towards the waving man, who energetically brandished papers in his hands.

They relocated to food court tables to examine Murray's plan. "Okay, this is what Alexei called The Hub. Now, the hub takes us to the vault room," Murray explained, gesturing to the blueprint laid out before them.

"Okay, where's the gate?"

"Right here. I don't know how the scale on this, but I think it's fairly close to the vault room, maybe fifty feet or so."

"More like five hundred," Erica sassed, hands on her hips, eliciting a confused look from Murray. "What, you're just gonna waltz in there like it's commie Disneyland or something?" her sharp remark added a touch of skepticism to the discussion.

"I'm sorry, who are you?" He snarked.

Josie fought to hold back her laughter, her hand hovering over her mouth. "Erica Sinclair. Who are you?" Erica countered with sass, maintaining her bold demeanor.

"Murray . . . Bauman." Murray said in response.

"Listen, Mr. Bunman, I'm not trying to tell you how to do things, but I've been down in that shithole for twenty-four hours. And with all due respect, you do what this man tells you, you're all gonna die."

Charlotte and Josie erupted in laughter, clinging to each other, until a stern look from Hopper silenced them. Meanwhile, Murray wore a blank stare. "I'm sorry, why is this four-year-old speaking to me?" he mockingly remarked. Erica shot him a sassy look, retorting, "Uhm, I'm ten, you bald bastard!" Her hands on her hips emphasized her correction.

"Erica!" Lucas scolded, shooting her a disapproving look. "Just the facts!" She retorted with sass. "She's right. You're all gonna die," Charlotte added, casually running a hand through her greasy hair. Murray rolled his eyes at the banter as Dustin chimed in, nodding, "But you don't have to. Sorry, may I?" He excused himself, noting the tension and Murray's apparent struggle to keep it together.

"Please," Murray responded with a sarcastic smile as Dustin, Erica, and Charlotte took their seats at the table. "Okay, see this room here? This is a storage facility," Dustin explained, circling the spot on the paper. "There's a hatch in here that feeds into their underground ventilation system," Charlotte added, contributing to the strategic discussion.

"That will lead you to the base of the weapon. It's a bit of a maze down there, but between me, Erica, and Dustin, we can show you the way. And I can use my fighting skills to keep you guys safe," Charlotte confidently informed them, prompting raised eyebrows from Hopper. "You can show us the way?" he inquired, seeking assurance.

"Don't worry, you and Charlie can handle all the fighting and the dangerous hero stuff, and we'll just be your... navigators," Dustin assured with a shake of his head. "No," Hopper stated sternly, shaking his head with a small shrug. "Nope," he added flatly, rejecting the idea.

THEY CAME UP WITH A NEW PLAN. As the plan unfolded, Estefina, Murray, Hopper, and Joyce prepared to descend into the tunnels disguised as Russians. Meanwhile, Dustin, Charlotte, Robin, Steve, and Erica were assigned to the field to maintain contact. The rest were headed to Murray's house. Josie took a moment to say her goodbyes to her mom and Charlotte, preparing for the upcoming challenges.

As Josie prepared to say her goodbyes, a bittersweet moment unfolded. Estefina, her mom, candidly expressed regret for recent absences in their lives, acknowledging her wish to have avoided getting entangled with Hopper and Joyce. "I should have taken you both away from all this," Estefina confessed, adding a layer of vulnerability to the farewell.

As Charlotte reassured Estefina with a warm smile, she spoke words of comfort, "Estefina, it's fine. We're both alive and well. That's all that matters," emphasizing the importance of their well-being. Estefina's eyes welled up with love and gratitude, and she embraced Charlotte tightly, silently appreciating the support.

In a moment of vulnerability, Estefina expressed her deep connection, "You know, Josie may be my biological daughter, but I see you as my kid too," revealing the genuine affection she held for Charlotte. Josie couldn't help but let out an affectionate "Awww" at the heartfelt sentiment.

Turning to Josie, Estefina enveloped her in a warm, comforting hug, a silent reassurance of their unbreakable bond.

Estefina, a mother guided by intuition, carefully considered Josie's safety. "Josie, I think you should go with Charlotte and Steve. I believe you'll be much safer with them," she gently suggested. Charlotte, caught off guard, questioned with concern, "What, why?" Josie, equally puzzled, exchanged a confused look with her mom, awaiting an explanation for this unexpected shift in plans.

Josie, feeling torn between options, expressed her uncertainty, mentioning Murray's assurance about safety at his place. Estefina paused, her gaze thoughtful as she contemplated the situation. "I don't know... My mom intuition is telling me that you should go with Charlotte," she said, crossing her arms, the conflict of concern and trust in her instincts evident.

Just in that moment, Max approached them, a reassuring presence. "Go with them, Josie. We'll be fine. We have El," she calmly reassured, alluding to their girlfriend's extraordinary abilities.

Josie's breath steadied as she weighed the advice from both her mom and Max. In that moment of contemplation, she felt the weight of their words shaping her decision. Her eyes moved from Estefina to Max, gratitude reflecting in her gaze for their guidance.

Turning to Estefina, Josie's eyes held a sincere appreciation before shifting to Max, acknowledging his reassurance. With a determined smile, she made her decision known. "You're right. I'll go with Charlotte and the others. We'll face this together," she declared, the words resonating with a sense of unity and strength.

A sharp whistle escaped Steve's lips, cutting through the air and grabbing the attention of Josie and Charlotte. "Charlie, Jo!" he called out with urgency, waving them over. The girls, their curiosity piqued, exchanged glances before making their way toward Steve. Eager to uncover the urgency in his voice, they approached him with a mix of anticipation and intrigue.

Meanwhile, Estefina, immersed in a mix of emotions, enveloped Josie and Charlotte in a tight embrace, cherishing the last moments before their departure. Holding them close, she conveyed her love and concern, recognizing that it was time to let them go. With a gentle smile, she released them, her eyes reflecting pride and a hint of sadness at the impending separation.

Following Steve's lead, Josie and Charlotte joined Dustin, Erica, and Robin outside, where a sleek car awaited them. The anticipation hung thick in the air as they stepped into the vehicle, their hearts pounding with a mix of excitement and a hint of nervousness. Embarking on a new chapter of their adventure, they braced themselves for the challenges and triumphs that awaited. Together, they would face the unknown, united in their determination to navigate the unfolding journey.

Steve marveled at the car, expressing his awe. "Oh, man, now this..." He tossed his keys in the air, catching them quickly. "...this is what I'm talking about!" he exclaimed. Robin read the license plate aloud, "Todd father?" Steve snorted, "Oh, screw Todd! Steve's your daddy now," he boasted, eliciting reactions from Josie and Charlotte who stopped in their tracks.

Josie and Charlotte shared a look of complete disgust, their noses scrunching up simultaneously. "Oh my god, Steve, you are not a Dad. You're a mom," Charlotte declared, arms crossed in mock seriousness. Undeterred, Steve hopped into the car, giving the girls a defiant look as he smoothed his hands on the steering wheel. "Shut up, let me have my moment," he playfully shushed them, savoring the fun banter and refusing to let go of his proclaimed title.

Charlotte and Josie eyed the car as the others got inside. Their luck seemed to have run out – there was no room for them to sit inside the car. Faced with a mix of annoyance and determination, they exchanged a look and decided to take matters into their own hands.

Without hesitation, they hopped onto the back of the car, finding a precarious spot on the edge. Perched there, legs dangling over the side, they were ready to hold on tight for the bumpy ride ahead. Despite the discomfort, their determination outweighed any inconvenience. With a mischievous twinkle in their eyes, they exchanged a knowing smile, ready to embrace the adventure, even if it meant sitting on the edge.

STEVE GLANCED AT DUSTIN. It felt like ages as they navigated the bumpy ride, and Josie and Charlotte clung to their precarious perch, hoping not to fall off. "Jesus, how far is this place?" Steve grumbled with annoyance. "Relax, we're almost there," Dustin reassured him, the journey testing their patience as they inched closer to their destination.

Robin looked at him through the mirror. "So, this Suzie is pretty special, huh? I mean, if you built this thing and lugged it all the way to the middle of nowhere just to talk to her?" she yelled over the loud breeze. Charlotte glared at her. Robin hadn't known that Charlotte and Dustin were now dating, the revelation adding a layer of complexity to the situation.

Dustin shook his head. "We're just friends. She doesn't have many friends, so I said I would stay in contact. And a friend doesn't lie, so I'm doing what I promised," he explained before turning to Charlotte, taking her hand, and pressing a soft kiss to her hand. "Plus, I'm dating, Charlie," he added, affirming their relationship and dispelling any misconceptions.

Robin's eyes blinked in shock. "Oh, okay," she said softly, processing the unexpected revelation. Charlotte's face turned a bright red, a smile curling onto her lips. Erica, ever the sassy one, gagged in disgust. "Gross, get a room love birds. It's already gross enough," she sassed, adding her own playful commentary to the unfolding dynamics.

Dustin's eyes went wide with realization as they approached the point they were supposed to turn. "Left! Turn left!" he yelled at Steve, urgency in his tone. "There's not a road here!" The sudden realization added a sense of urgency to the journey, as the unexpected turn prompted a moment of tension and the need for quick action.

"Turn left now!" Dustin shouted urgently. Steve made a sharp turn, causing Charlotte and Josie to scream and grip onto the car tightly as they nearly fell off. A small scream escaped from their lips as Steve sped up the hill. The sudden maneuver injected an adrenaline-fueled moment into their journey, leaving a lingering sense of thrill and excitement in the air.

DUSTIN RADIOED BALD EAGLE as Charlotte and Josie catched up on everything they missed the past few days. "Bald Eagle, I repeat, this is Scoops Troop, do you copy?"

"Yes, I copy."

"Call sign?"

"Bald Eagle."

"Please repeat."

"Dustin, leave the poor grumpy man alone—" Josie  teased him, sitting up from the ground as Dustin waved her off. She rolled her eyes as Charlotte chuckled. "Dustin, be nice." She scolded.

"Bald Eagle. This is Bald Eagle!"

"Copy that. Good to hear your voice, Bald Eagle. What's your twenty?" Dustin asked as Josie and Charlotte scooted over to sit with them. "We reach the vent. I'll contact you when I need you. Until then, silence."

"Roger that, Bald Eagle. This is Scoops Troop, going radio silent. 10-10 over." He informed him as Steve padded his shoulder.

FEW MINUTES LATER, Murray contacted them. "Scoops Troop, this is... hm. Bald Eagle. I've reached another junction."

"This is what?"

"The fourth junction."

"After the My Little Pony thesis," Dustin thought, prompting identical looks between Jackie and Mike. "We took the left path, so he'll need to go right."

"Fly right, Bald Eagle."

"Roger that, flying right."

"What's the My Little Pony thesis?" Robin questioned, intrigued. Josie nodded, adding, "Yeah, what is it? I'm curious," her lips curled into a teasing smirk.

Charlotte folded her arms. "Me too," she raised an eyebrow. "Don't get him started." Erica gave a pleading look. "Get him started? Just tell us—" Charlotte was cut off by Steve. "Hey, guys?" he called out. Steve's interruption shifted the focus, leaving the My Little Pony thesis momentarily suspended as they redirected their attention to Steve's call.

Together, they ran over to Steve, spotting the lights flickering at the mall. "Something went wrong," Josie gasped, her eyes widening as Charlotte felt her heart pounding against her chest. "We need to save them," she told Josie, their shared determination fueling their readiness to face whatever challenge awaited them at the mall.

Josie's heart raced, pounding in her chest as Charlotte acted swiftly, snatching Steve's keys from his pocket. "Run, Jo!" Charlotte's voice echoed with urgency. Without hesitation, Josie sprinted towards the car parked at the end of the hill. Each step fueled by adrenaline, determination etched on her face, she propelled herself forward, guided by the shared goal of reaching the car in time to respond to the unexpected situation unfolding at the mall.

As Josie reached the car, the anticipation quickened her breath, and she swiftly occupied the driver's seat. Charlotte, ever nimble, threw the keys with precision, and Josie caught them effortlessly. Ignoring Steve's pleas for them to come back, the girls remained resolute in their decision to embark on their own mission to save their friends.

With trembling hands, Josie inserted the key into the ignition, feeling the vibrations as the engine roared to life—a symphony of power and possibility. The pounding in her chest intensified, a mixture of nerves and adrenaline converging. In that pivotal moment, a surge of freedom coursed through her veins, emboldening her resolve.

Without hesitation, Josie pressed her foot against the gas pedal, and the car responded with a decisive lurch forward. The wind whipped through their hair as they accelerated, leaving Steve's calls behind, gradually fading into the distance. The sensation of speed and escape enveloped them, amplifying the intensity of their mission.

Josie's grip on the steering wheel tightened as she navigated the streets with a mix of instinct and determination. Each turn and twist in the road carried a sense of urgency, the car becoming a vessel for their commitment to save their friends. The unfolding scene painted a vivid picture of empowerment, speed, and an unwavering pursuit of their goal.

The mall, their chosen destination, beckoned in the distance like a distant oasis of possibilities. Though just a mile away, it felt to Josie like a realm of endless opportunities. With each passing second, her confidence blossomed, and she fully embraced the exhilaration of the open road. The car sped towards the mall, the wind whipping through the open windows, a symphony of freedom and determination.

As the distance closed, Josie's driving knowledge faced a real-world test. She drew upon every observation and piece of information she had gathered from watching others drive. The road ahead, a ribbon of asphalt, stretched out before them, offering both a challenge and a promise of adventure. The car became their vessel of liberation, hurtling toward their destination with an intoxicating blend of speed and purpose.

In the rearview mirror, Steve's figure grew smaller, his calls fading into the background. Josie and Charlotte were unstoppable, their determination propelling them forward. With a mix of nerves and excitement, Josie skillfully maneuvered the car towards the mall, her focus unwavering. The distance between them and the mall diminished as they navigated the roads with a sense of purpose.

As Josie and Charlotte pulled into the crowded mall parking lot, their determination faced an unexpected challenge – the fierce glare of Billy fixated on their friends in another car. Tension gripped the air, and Josie's heart raced with a mix of fear and protectiveness.

Without a second thought, Josie slammed her foot on the gas pedal, unleashing a surge of power that propelled their car forward. The collision was swift and intense as their vehicle met Billy's car head-on, creating a violent impact that sent his car soaring through the air. In that suspended moment, time seemed to stand still as the two cars collided, the screech of metal against metal echoing in their ears.

As the dust settled and the chaos subsided, Josie's car came to a halt. Both Josie and Charlotte sat there, their chests heaving with heavy breaths, their eyes locked on each other. It was a moment of intense realization, as they understood the gravity of what had just happened.

With a sense of urgency, Josie and Charlotte swiftly exited the car, their voices filled with a mix of anger, concern, and adrenaline. They yelled at their friends, urging them to flee the scene and escape any potential danger. Their words echoed through the parking lot, a symphony of urgency and protection.

In that moment, Josie and Charlotte stood united, their resolve unwavering despite the chaos around them. The air crackled with a potent mix of emotions – determination, fear, and protective instincts. They faced the consequences of their actions head-on, ready to defend their friends at any cost.

As Josie and Charlotte swiftly exited the car, their voices carried a blend of anger and concern. Urging their friends to flee the scene, their words reverberated through the parking lot, a symphony of urgency and protection. The atmosphere was thick with tension, setting the stage for a pivotal confrontation.

However, the intensity of the moment took an unexpected turn. The last thing Josie saw before blacking out was Charlotte being grabbed by Billy, her scream cutting through the air.

JOSIE FLUTTERED HER EYES OPEN. There were bright lights. She found herself on the mall floor, hands and feet tied up. A rush of pain surged through her head, and a small groan escaped her lips. Turning her head to the side, she saw Billy towering over El, who was desperately trying to talk to him. However, there was no sign of Charlotte anywhere.

Josie attempted to scream, but her voice was muffled – tape covered her mouth. The scene unfolded with a sense of captivity and vulnerability, leaving Josie in a perilous situation, bound and helpless. The bright lights contrasted sharply with the darkness of her predicament.

Josie watched in horror as Billy stood up, letting out a yell, and tentacles threw at him. Eleven, hovering, raised her arms in a protective shield. Josie's eyes went wide as the tentacles attacked Billy. The scene unfolded with a shocking display of supernatural forces, leaving Josie both captivated and terrified. As the tentacles moved away, Billy dropped to the ground, gasping for air. l

Mike's heart raced, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he spotted Josie in distress. Ignoring the potential dangers around him, he propelled himself forward, each sprint echoing in the tense silence of the mall. The urgency in his movements was palpable.

Arriving at Josie's side, Mike's focus was unwavering. With practiced hands, he swiftly untied the tight knots that bound Josie's hands and feet, the fabric giving way to her newfound freedom. The tension in the air lessened as he carefully peeled off the tape that had silenced her, allowing her voice to break free.

"Oh my god, Mike," Josie's voice trembled with a mix of relief and emotion. Overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, she threw herself into his arms, seeking solace and security in his embrace. Tears streamed down her face as she held him tightly, grateful for his presence in this harrowing ordeal.

As Josie's sobs subsided, she became aware of another presence in the room. She turned her head, her eyes locking onto Max, who was huddled in El's arms. The sight that met her gaze sent a shiver down her spine. There, lifeless on the ground, lay Billy's body, a tragic reminder of the horrors they had endured. Max's cries punctuated the air, a heartbreaking expression of grief and loss.

In that moment, the weight of the situation settled upon them all, intertwining their fates and forging a bond that could never be broken.

As Josie's tear-filled eyes scanned the chaotic room, her gaze shifted upwards towards the balcony. There, she saw Will, Lucas, Steve, and Robin, their expressions a mix of relief and concern as they surveyed the aftermath of the ordeal. However, one face was noticeably absent. Josie's heart sank as she realized Charlotte was nowhere to be seen.

Turning to El, her voice quivering, Josie asked, "Where's Charlotte?" El's response was simple yet devastating. "Gone," she whispered softly. The weight of those words crashed down upon Josie, overwhelming her with a fresh wave of grief. The floodgates of her emotions burst open once again, tears streaming down her face as she mourned the loss of her dear friend. The room was filled with a heavy silence, each person grappling with their own emotions and the harsh reality of their situation.

THE PIERCING SOUND of sirens filled the air, Josie's heart raced with a mix of fear and concern. The smoke billowing from the burning mall created an eerie backdrop, heightening the sense of urgency and chaos.

Within moments, an ambulance screeched to a halt near Josie, its bright lights illuminating the scene. Paramedics rushed to her side, their faces masked with determination and expertise. They carefully assessed the wound on Josie's forehead, their gloved hands gentle yet efficient.

After a thorough examination, the paramedics delivered the news — Josie had sustained a minor concussion. They advised her to take precautions and be mindful of her symptoms in the coming days. Concern etched across her face, Josie nodded in understanding, grateful for their expertise and care.

As Josie's gaze swept across the tumultuous scene, her eyes locked onto a familiar figure in the distance — her mom, Estefina. A surge of relief washed over her, and without a second thought, she sprinted towards her, fueled by a mix of emotions.

Reaching Estefina, Josie threw herself into her mother's arms, seeking solace and comfort. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed, the weight of her loss and grief pouring out. In between sobs, Josie managed to convey the devastating news — Charlotte, her dear friend, had fallen victim to the Mind Flayer's wrath. "M — Mom. . . Cha — Charlotte is gone. She's gone, mom." She sobbed.

Estefina's eyes widened in shock and anguish, her heart breaking for Josie's loss. She held her tightly, sharing in her pain and sorrow. In that moment, their bond deepened, as they found solace in each other's embrace, united in their grief and love for Charlotte.

THREE MONTHS LATER, everything was different. Charlotte was dead and it was the worst way possible to go back to Mexico for. Max and Josie's relationship wasn't the same. They barely saw each other, despite, being neighbors. That day was El moving with the Byers. Hopper was also gone. He died saving Joyce and Estefina. So, that day was a double tragedy for Estefina. She lost her boyfriend and her daughter.

Estefina was heartbroken and she has taken over the job as Chief of Police. It's been a rough three months for the Cortez women. But they were getting through it. Josie got a job at a Diner. And was working part time. It was something to help distract her.

Estefina was discussing with Josie about putting her into therapy, but it wasn't a yes yet. Josie wasn't sure if she wanted to or not. But she's leaning towards yes.

Dustin's been pretty upset about Charlotte's death, but he's been putting on a happy smile for Josie.

Josie and Max were back at the Mayfield house now. They helped El and the Byers move and it was difficult day. The Mayfield house was quiet, Susan and Neil were gone.

Josie cautiously approached Max, her heart heavy with concern. "Hey, Max, is there anything you want to do right now?" she asked softly, hoping to offer some comfort. "I also wrote this song, and I thought maybe you'd like to listen to it. We don't have to do it now, but maybe later? We could just cuddle and not say anything—"

But before Josie could finish her sentence, Max's demeanor shifted drastically. A wave of anguish washed over Max, and in a moment of vulnerability, she lashed out. "Just . . . just leave, Josie," Max choked out, her voice trembling with pain. "We need to break up. I can't do this anymore." Her voice croaked.

Josie was taken aback, her heart breaking at Max's words. She could see the turmoil in Max's eyes, the weight of their emotions becoming too much to bear. In that moment, all she could do was respect Max's wishes and give them the space they needed, even though it tore her apart inside. She quietly left the room, tears streaming down her face, as the reality of their breakup sank in.

HER EYES WERE STILL FILLED WITH TEARS hopped on her bike and pedaled her way to the nearest store. As she entered, her heart heavy with emotions, she made her way to the hair aisle. The bright fluorescent lights illuminated the shelves lined with various hair products, each promising a different kind of transformation.

Her gaze fell upon the black box dye, its sleek packaging catching her attention. In that moment, a surge of determination welled up within her. She reached out and carefully picked up the box, feeling its weight in her hands. The promise of a fresh start, a new chapter, seemed to emanate from it.

Uncertainty mingled with hope as Josie clutched the box tightly, contemplating the changes she sought to make. She knew that altering her appearance wouldn't erase the pain of the breakup, but it symbolized her desire to reclaim her sense of self and embrace a different path.

With a deep breath, Josie made her way to the checkout counter, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Little did she know that this small act of choosing a box of hair dye would mark the beginning of her journey towards healing and self-discovery.

As Josie arrived home, her hands trembling with a mix of excitement and apprehension, she wasted no time in preparing for her transformation. Sitting in front of the bathroom mirror, she carefully mixed the black hair dye, following the instructions on the box with precision.

With each stroke of the dye, Josie felt a sense of liberation, as if she were shedding her old self and embracing a new identity. The rich, dark color saturated her hair, enveloping her in a cloak of change and empowerment.

Once the dye had set, Josie moved on to the next step of her metamorphosis. She picked up a pair of sharp scissors, her reflection staring back at her with determination. With each snip, the weight of the past fell away, making room for a fresh start.

As her hair fell around her, now resting at shoulder length, Josie couldn't help but smile. She had taken control of her own destiny, reclaiming her power and embracing the beauty of transformation. The reflection in the mirror revealed a transformed Josie, ready to face the world with a renewed sense of confidence and self-assurance.

She thought of Max, wanting show her new haircut, but she was still heartbroken about Max. She just broke up with her and she heartbroken. Then she thought of Mike. They were somewhat friends now. He apologized and so did she.

She looked at her self in the mirror with a soft sob leaving her lips.

JOSEFINA'S HEART FLUTTERED into a million pieces, tears streamed down her face, leaving trails of sadness on her cheeks. With a heavy heart, she hopped onto her bike, seeking solace and a momentary escape from the pain that consumed her.

Pedaling furiously, Josefina's bike carried her through the winding streets, her sobs blending with the sound of the wind rushing past her ears. Each push of the pedals felt like a release, a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil within her.

Guided by instinct, Josefina found herself outside Mike's house, a somewhat friend who always offered a listening ear. With trembling hands, she parked her bike and approached the front door, her heart pounding in her chest.

As Mike opened the door, Josefina's tears began to flow uncontrollably once again. He blinked at shock at her new hair. She stumbled over her words, her voice choked with pain, as she shared the heartbreaking news of her breakup with Max. "Mik — Mike . . . Max and I broke up." She cried.

Mike's eyes filled with understanding and compassion, his heart aching for his friend.

Without hesitation, Mike pulled Josefina into a tight embrace, his arms wrapped protectively around her trembling form. He held her as she cried, offering a safe haven for her tears to fall. In that moment, the weight of Josefina's sorrow felt just a little lighter, knowing that she had someone by her side who cared deeply for her.

As what felt like the minutes turned into hours, Josefina's tears gradually subsided, leaving behind a sense of catharsis and healing. Mike continued to hold her, offering silent support and reassurance that she was not alone in her pain.

In that tender moment, Josefina felt a glimmer of hope, a flicker of strength to begin the process of healing. With Mike's unwavering presence, she knew she could weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

And so, in the embrace of a true friend, Josefina found solace, comfort, and the courage to face the uncertain road ahead. Despite, their past differences, they were friends again.

—

ash speaks!

Wow. A lot just happened.
I have no other words.