𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲 [peso pluma]

17

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8 months later

March 18th, 2019

March arrived with a subtle breeze that hinted at the promise of spring. Celine's life had undergone a transformation in the past eight months. Her passion for gaming, which Hassan had lovingly encouraged with the gift of a gaming computer, had blossomed into something more. He saved up all he could while working the past couple of months at a local restaurant to get it for her birthday. She had started streaming on Twitch, creating a small but dedicated community of around 500 followers. What began as a hobby had turned into a delightful online journey, where she played games and interacted with her viewers. Every stream was a window into her world, and she cherished every moment of it.

The glow of her computer screen often lit up the room late into the night. As she navigated through virtual worlds, she was aware that her community was with her, watching and sharing in her adventures. The lively chat, filled with familiar usernames, was her digital family. They laughed with her, cheered her on, and offered support, both in the game and in life. Her streaming journey was more than just playing games; it was building connections with people who shared her passion.

In January, Hassan's life had taken him far away from Celine. He had ventured to America, visiting his tía, but what truly compelled him to go was the work opportunity that had presented itself. His tío had convinced him to join him in New York, albeit hesitantly. The prospect of being away from Celine was a heavy one, but the opportunity promised financial rewards he couldn't ignore. It was a sacrifice he was willing to make for the future he had envisioned.

Their separation weighed on both of them. Every night, they yearned for each other's presence, their hearts craving the intimacy and connection they had shared. Hassan had made a solemn promise that he would return home as frequently as he could, and he meant to keep it. He had set his sights on a musical career, and the construction work in New York was the means to an end.

Although the days passed, and they were separated by miles, the love that bound them remained steadfast. Celine's Twitch streams had become a lifeline, a way for Hassan to connect with her and her community. He tuned in whenever he could, watching her play, hearing her voice, and engaging in the chat. Through the screen, he felt closer to her, a participant in her digital world. And whenever he could he would play with her on his Xbox.

As the night settled in around Celine, she couldn't help but feel a sense of longing that had become all too familiar. Tomorrow marked a significant milestone in their relationship – their one-year anniversary. Hassan had made a heartfelt promise to be there, to celebrate the day together. It was a pledge that meant the world to her, especially since he couldn't make it for Valentine's day.

After bidding farewell to her online community, she logged off Twitch, her virtual stage of dreams and adventure. She waved to her webcam with a smile, thanking the four hundred viewers for another night together. The chat was filled with expressions of love and anticipation for the upcoming celebration, a testament to the warmth and connection she had fostered.