Love is a disease. It eats away at you, until all that is left of your heart is a shrivelled lump. 

Leah’s POV

She was waiting for Sam after school in the courtyard. He was running late again. For the past several weeks, Sam has been acting strangely. First, he had disappeared for almost two weeks. Everyone was frantic with worry and went on a wide search for him. But then, one day, he just came back; with no word on where he’s been or what he was doing. It looked fishy. People began talking in low whispers about him taking drugs and stuff like that. 

Leah didn't want to believe those rumours. But she couldn't help being a little suspicious. Since Sam's return, she watched him change from a happy and open guy, to a more reclusive and moody one. She wants him to talk, share his thoughts with her, and tell her what’s been bothering him, but he always tenses and walks away. She thinks Sam is hiding something from her. So that's why she’ll try her best to make him talk today.

Suddenly, Leah sees Sam’s tall form making his way out of the front doors. She perks up, holds her books to her chest, and calls out to him.

“Sam! Sam, over here!” Leah waves one arm in the air to catch his attention. Other students are milling about, talking, and laughing; while others leave in twos or threes to go home. They all turn around at the sound of Leah’s shout. Sam, however, seems not to have heard her, and walks quickly out of the school grounds.

His legs are long, and his movements are fast. But Leah is stubborn and perseverant. She runs after him.

Although Sam is not running, his long gait makes it almost impossible for Leah to catch up. Her heart is thumping hard in her chest, and her breath is coming in short gasps. Yet, she doesn’t stop. Her running shoes make slapping sounds against the hard ground.

“Sam! Sam, you idiot! Stop walking!”

Sam suddenly pauses, and shifts his head to the right. His broad shoulders are tense and his hands are balled up into fists.