Vanquished Love And Dreams

7: Months Left

"Few months, few more months till this part of life is finished. Memories will be printed on the brain forever."

It's been two months since Elizabeth and I started dating, but I can't shake off this feeling that there's something more to love than just being with someone. Maybe it's because of what happened between Philip and Anya. They were the perfect couple, or so we all thought, until that one accident that left Anya with a few broken bones. They pretended to break up, but we all knew they were still together, just hiding it from the world.

As I sit here in our classroom, staring out at the raindrops falling from the sky, I can't help but wonder about the meaning of love. Is it just about being with someone, or is there more to it? Does love come with an obligation to stay with someone no matter what, or is it something that should be freely given and received? I remember reading some classic romance novels where love was portrayed as this grand, all-consuming force that could conquer anything. But is that really true? Is love really that powerful, or is it just a figment of our imaginations, something that we tell ourselves to make us feel better about being alone?

I look over at Elizabeth, who is lost in her own thoughts as she stares out the window. I love her, there's no doubt about that. But is that enough? Does love need to have a deeper meaning, or can it just be about enjoying each other's company and being happy together? As the rain continues to fall outside, I realize that maybe there is no one answer to the question of what love is. Maybe it means something different to everyone, and that's okay. Maybe the only thing that matters is that we find someone who makes us happy and who we can make happy in return.

I take Elizabeth's hand and give it a gentle squeeze, silently thanking the universe for bringing her into my life. Maybe love doesn't need to have a grand, philosophical meaning after all. Maybe it's just about two people who care for each other, and that's enough.

As we continued to sit in silence, Elizabeth turned to me and asked, "What's on your mind, Alfonso?"

I looked at her and hesitated for a moment before answering. "I keep thinking about the meaning of love. I mean, what is it really? Is it just a feeling, or is there more to it?"

Elizabeth's eyes lit up with interest, and she leaned in closer. "That's a deep question, Alfonso. I think love is more than just a feeling. It's a choice we make every day to care for someone, to support them and be there for them no matter what."

I thought about her words for a moment before responding. "But what about the times when it's hard? When it feels like you're not getting anything in return? Is it still worth it then?"

Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. "I think those are the times when love is most important. When things get tough, that's when we need to show up for each other the most. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. The reflective Elizabeth added, "I sometimes wonder if love is just a byproduct of our society expectations.

"Why do you say that?" I asked, I was curious.
"Well, consider it. From an early age, we are taught that we should fall in love, get married, and have kids. It almost seems like it's what we should do. But is it really what love is, or are we just making something up?"

I gave her remarks some thought before answering, "I believe that love is more than simply a theory. Every person experiences this emotion differently. Although society may have some standards for us, love is ultimately a subjective sensation."

"I suppose you're correct," Elizabeth said, nodding in agreement. "Love is universal and also individualized. It is something that unites all of us, regardless of our backgrounds or identities."

I remarked, a slight smile emerging on my lips, "I think that's what makes it so beautiful."

"But it's also what makes it so dangerous, since love can also be painful," Elizabeth continued, her tone changing to one of seriousness. "You expose yourself to the danger of heartbreak when you fall in love. And it is dreadful."