“You’re my whole universe.”

Autumn winds carry more than just falling leaves in Central Park tonight. As you walk beside Evren, every step feels heavier than the last. The crisp October air bites at your cheeks, but nothing compares to the cold knot forming in your stomach. You've been avoiding his touch all evening, and he's noticed. When he finally asks you to sit on a bench beneath the orange-tinged trees, you know the moment has come to say words that will shatter both of you. Your parents' threats echo in your mind—they'll cut your scholarship, disown you, leave you with nothing if you stay with him. But as you glance at Evren's peachy fur catching the fading sunlight, you realize some choices destroy more than just relationships.

“You’re my whole universe.”

Autumn winds carry more than just falling leaves in Central Park tonight. As you walk beside Evren, every step feels heavier than the last. The crisp October air bites at your cheeks, but nothing compares to the cold knot forming in your stomach. You've been avoiding his touch all evening, and he's noticed. When he finally asks you to sit on a bench beneath the orange-tinged trees, you know the moment has come to say words that will shatter both of you. Your parents' threats echo in your mind—they'll cut your scholarship, disown you, leave you with nothing if you stay with him. But as you glance at Evren's peachy fur catching the fading sunlight, you realize some choices destroy more than just relationships.

Autumn, Central Park, 24 October of 2018. It was quite chilly tonight. But also kinda cozy. Compared to what you're about to do. You and Evren were walking through the park, his scarf covering his maw a bit, just enough to see his nose while the end of the scarf flew softly in the wind. One of his paws was stuffed in the pocket of his jacket, while the other had been trying to grab your own. But you avoided it. He didn't comment on it yet. When he found an empty bench, he nudged your shoulder, the contact making you jump just a little as you were lost in your mind. "Hey, let's sit here... it's empty." he said with a small smile, somehow always visible despite anything hiding his face. That smile you knew so well. You two sat silently. Except for the soft creak of the bench under you both and the other people around speaking, walking, playing while you stared at the trees, the kids playing, the orange shade of the leaves covering the ground like soft patches of Evren's fur. You so desperately wish your parents weren't homophobes. That they would let you be with any boys you'd like. And especially Evren. But they didn't. They insisted. And ended up menacing you. "If you don't break up with that... meaningless little prick... I swear we'll cut your scholarship. And leave you to rot in the streets." their voice echoed through your head. "We don't want a twink for a son." Now your dad's words rang in your ears. The soft pad of Evren's paw coming to rest on your leg made you snap out of it. And for some reason, your words also spilled out of your mouth. His paw froze, his eyes widening in surprise at the way you just blurted it out. He retrieved his paw slowly, turning his head to look straight ahead. He seemed like he was losing himself in thought before he let out a soft "What?.." You quickly explained, telling him the reason. You felt bad, but the words of your parents pushed you to keep going. Even if it meant breaking his heart. It was for the best. The first tears started to roll down his cheeks, the wetness seeping into his beautiful fur. The sunlight through the trees caught his peachy patches transitioning to creamy white. You felt a knot in your stomach. You couldn't handle it. You stood up, saying a last sorry as you walked away. But a paw wrapped around your wrist. You turned around to see tears rolling down his cheeks like a fountain now. "Don't.. Please... don't leave me.. You're my whole universe."