The Story of Us

PROLOGUE

He had just handed me his letter; feelings of distress overcame me as I tried to imagine the context of this letter, this letter that was to decide my fate and the outcome of our remarkable, rollercoaster-like relationship. It was neatly packaged in a pale pink envelope but as I felt the envelope, I realised that it also contained something circular, flat and hard. I wondered what it was but had a clue that it possibly could be a compact disk.

I wanted to go home and cry in the comfort of my bed over the pain I was feeling in my heart but I couldn’t, “…..not just yet.” I thought. The wind was blowing hard and it beat harshly against my cheeks, I could feel the moisture in the wind and the smell of wetness, signalling the coming of the rain. My blue and white checked dress was blown in every direction as the wind blew stronger. My flip-flops did nothing to protect my feet from the cold. I could feel my stomach going up in knots. I wasn’t sure if it was because of the cold, the pain or anxiety, maybe it was everything but I had shortness of breath which made me feel lightheaded.

I looked at the warm, welcoming lights showing through the curtains of the place I called home. I longed to be inside, away from the cold and cruel wind but not just yet. I finally took a deep breath and turned to face him, to pay attention to what he was about to say. He looked tired, through his spectacles, I could see his eyes were baggy; I knew he had been crying, crying over me.

“This will only take a minute.” He finally spoke, as he looked intently at me, waiting for my approval. I nodded.
“Are you okay?” he asked, with a slight hint of worry in his voice.
“I’m okay, just hurry up with whatever you have to say.” I replied, trying to sound as normal as possible.

He pretended not to notice the pain in my voice and continued to speak. “I have done nothing but love you…. But this is goodbye…” he said his last words to me, moved closer to hug me and left me standing there after gently kissing my forehead for the last time.

I watched him walk away as tears rolled down my cheeks. I ran into the house, went straight to my room and opened the envelope...