Undying Love: Maria the Orphan

I woke up feeling unwell, as if something was missing. I wouldn't see Jack again; he wouldn't be waiting for me when I left work. Life always seems to rush the beautiful moments, leaving us to live on their memories, filled with regret. I never imagined I'd fall in love so quickly or surrender so completely to him.

Jack promised he'd call me every night; that's what he told me when we said goodbye. I went to work, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. How could love arrive so unannounced and turn my life upside down?

Where was my spontaneity, my cheerfulness, my energy? I wasn't myself anymore. Once, I was obsessed with shopping and browsing stores to find the latest fashion trends. Now, I no longer cared. I had changed, even my pride had submitted to this love.

When I reached my desk, a pile of pending files awaited me. I had ignored them yesterday because I was with Jack. Now I had to finish them quickly, or risk the wrath of my boss. I buried myself in work, trying to escape my thoughts.

I didn't notice until Livia called my name.

"What's wrong, sweetheart? Aren't you hungry yet? I brought you your favorite sandwich."

I thanked her, saying:

"Thanks, Livia. I'll eat with you once I'm done. I don't have much left."

Livia noticed my sadness and tried to comfort me.

"Snow White, you've changed, sweetheart. Where's that smile that never left your face? Don't let Jack's departure get to you. He'll be back, I'm sure."

I replied, attempting to show her I couldn't help it:

"Livia, when you fall in love, you'll understand the pain of separation. It's unbearable, as if a part of you is being taken away, as if your soul is being stolen."

Livia laughed and said:

"If love will do all that to me, I won't even try. I'm not that foolish!"

I finished my work, feeling utterly exhausted. It had been a grueling day. I grabbed my bag and prepared to leave. Unconsciously, I walked to the balcony to look at the spot where Jack used to wait for me. Life can be so cruel! How can people leave us but not take all the reminders of them? I wished that spot would vanish, so perhaps I could forget a little and suffer less.

I searched for Livia so we could leave together. She tried her best to make me laugh, but nothing worked. Even the road I used to enjoy now felt dull; I could only feel it when I was with Jack. Everything had changed. I arrived home, completely drained.

I threw myself onto the couch beside my mother. It had been a while since I talked to her or spent time with her. She scolded me for neglecting my health recently. I promised her I'd take care of myself and return to the way I used to be.

We had dinner together with Sophie, but I barely ate. I had no appetite, forcing myself to finish my meal. I was eagerly waiting for Jack's promised call.

I went up to my room, changed, and lay on my bed, yearning to hear his voice, even from afar. I hoped the phone would ring, but it didn't. Hours passed; I couldn't sleep, and Jack never called. He had left me a number, so I tried calling it, but there was no answer. How could his news disappear so suddenly?

Doubt began to creep in. I couldn't believe he wouldn't contact me as soon as he arrived. I didn't sleep that night. I took a photo of my father, confiding in it my worries, tears streaming down my face. I wished I had never met Jack so I wouldn't fall in love with a stranger whose life was so mysterious.

I eventually drifted off to sleep, only to be startled awake by the phone ringing. My heart leaped with joy, but it was short-lived—it was just my alarm. I couldn't remember when I fell asleep last night. All I knew was that I woke up cursing both the alarm and love itself.

I kissed Sophie as she prepared breakfast, as usual. She noticed the turmoil I carried in my heart. Wrapping me in her warm embrace, she said:

"Sweetheart, Snow White, don't be too sad. He'll call you if he truly loves you."

I replied:

"But he promised to call as soon as he arrived. He lied to me, and I trusted him."

She tried to reassure me:

"Everyone has their reasons. Try to ignore it, or you'll only hurt yourself."

I sighed, saying:

"Okay, Auntie, I'll try to distract myself with work and outings with Livia, but I know I won't find peace until he calls."

She gently advised me:

"The important thing, sweetheart, is to eat properly so you don't lose weight. Your health comes first."

I laughed, replying:

"Okay, Auntie, where's Mom?"

My mother immediately answered as she entered the room:

"I'm here. Finally, you remembered you have a mother. Hurry up, or you'll be late for work."

I reassured her:

"Forgive me, Mom. You know who's to blame. I promise I'll be your cheerful, lovable daughter again."

We had breakfast together, chatting to create a lively atmosphere and help me forget my pain. I kissed my mother and Sophie before rushing to work, clinging to the hope that I'd hear news of Jack, something to ease the growing sadness settling in my heart.

Fear of the unknown began to consume me. I didn't want to hear anything that would shatter the dreams Jack and I had woven together by the sea. We wrote them in letters on the sand; the waves may have washed them away, but the seashells kept their traces, locked in their depths, as if guarding a secret only they understood.