1 Prologue

5 years.

4 a.m. call.

3 words that had no meaning.

2 persons.

1 relationship.

End.

I've never found anything that makes me feel like I do about you.

No one liked that one song the way that you do. Do you still do?

You are the one that always wants to go away, but I don't want you to.

I want you to stay.

You're sorry? Is that it? Is this the end of us?

---

We had known each other since childhood, but we started dating when we were 15. We did the usual. We sneak out at night, and lie down on the roof of the garage, just talking, while watching the stars. She loved the stars, the sunshine, and whatever that shines. She loves deep conversations, like dreams, fears, and secrets that no one knows. And that night, was brighter than before. She was looking at the skies, but every time she does, I caught myself staring at her. She talks about the future, and everything was in place, "All that is missing is you."

"Me?" I asked confused.

"Yes, you, doofus," she sit up and hit my face with her pillow. Luckily, I catch it.

"Hey, stop," I told her to keep quiet since most of the neighbors are asleep.

"...I want you to be part of my future, if you would like," she offered.

"Of course I will be. You would not move to another town, are you?"

"Of course not. I might go visit my dad from time to time but," she squeezed her pillows. "...I'm scared of losing you."

I tuck in the hair covering her face, looking at her ocean blue eyes, "you won't." I assured her, her face was flushed red.

"Even if... I tell you I like you? More than friends?" She looked at me, and my heart became weak.

"Yes. Madeline Rice, do you want to be part of my future as well?" I offered holding her face.

That's where our first kiss happened.

---

It was elating to be with her. She was always so supportive, making room for her busy theater works, just to go visit my practice and games. Everything felt right whenever I am with her. Everything was memorable. I was convinced that she was "the one." It was all smooth sailing, until we started college. The relationship came to a storm. Arguments interrupted even the briefest phone conversations. Weekend trips ended in tears and yelling. Everything became a complete mess of misunderstandings. We weren't on the same side anymore, always clashing.

One afternoon at the end of the practice, I received multiple calls and messages. I had forgotten about our anniversary. We were supposed to meet at Chanlin Creek, like the past 4 years to have the usual picnic. I found myself sitting in my parked car by their house, dialing her number in a moment of panic and confusion. She picked up and we met by the front door. Her eyes were, swollen and her nose were red. She must have been crying all day.

"I'm not getting what I need. I'm sorry. But...," she told me. "Let's end this."

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