I WAS ALIVE ONCE

A Beautiful moment

Nathalia and Joshua had been best friends since they were kids. They grew up in the same neighbourhood and did everything together. As they got older, their friendship turned into something more. They fell in love with each other and had been dating for two years now.

On a warm summer evening, Nathalia and Joshua decided to take a walk in the park near their neighbourhood. As they reached their favourite spot, they both sat down on a bench that overlooked a nearby shore. The wind was blowing gently, creating a soothing sound as the waves crashed against the shore.

Joshua wrapped his arm around Nathalia as they both gazed at the distant sunset. They had always loved coming to this spot to watch the sunset together. It was their special place, where they shared their dreams and hopes for the future.

But this time, their conversation was different. Joshua had received an opportunity to study and travel abroad for a year. It was something he had always wanted to do, but it also meant leaving Nathalia behind for a whole year.

Nathalia could see the excitement in Joshua's eyes as he talked about the program and all the places he would get to visit. But she couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness in her heart. She didn't want Joshua to leave, even if it was just for a year.

As the sun started to set, Joshua turned to Nathalia and took her hand in his. "I know this is hard, but I promise I'll come back. And when I do, we'll travel together and make new memories," he said, looking deep into her eyes.

Nathalia smiled, trying to hold back her tears. She knew she couldn't hold Joshua back from this amazing opportunity. "I'll be waiting for you," she whispered. Her lips trembled. She really wanted to mean it.

They sat in silence, watching the sunset together, cherishing each other's company. They didn't need words to express their love. Their actions spoke louder than words.

As the last rays of sunlight disappeared, Joshua turned to Nathalia and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "I'll miss you," he said. He was shy. He wanted to kiss her lips. Joshua's voice was filled with emotion.

"I'll miss you too," Nathalia replied, trying to hold back her tears. She still kept that huge detail from him. Howw unfair? She thought to herself.

They stayed at the park until it got dark, talking about their plans for the future and how they would stay in touch while Joshua was away. They both knew it wouldn't be easy, but their love was strong enough to withstand the distance.

As they walked back home, hand in hand, Nathalia couldn't help but feel grateful for the time they had together. She knew that Joshua's journey would be life-changing, and she was proud of him for taking this step.

Time went by in a blur as Joshua prepared for his trip. Nathalia was there every step of the way, helping him pack and supporting him through his last-minute nerves.

On the day of Joshua's departure, they both went back to their special spot on the farm. This time, they watched the sunrise together, symbolizing a new beginning for both of them.

Nathalia felt so angry with herself. Her lips could be seen moving, but no words came from them. Nathalia reached into her small breast pocket and took out what looked like a bracelet. It was purple, and it had letters. The letters did not spell out anything, but it had meaning. Perhaps a hidden message.

Joshua promised to wear it every day as a reminder of Nathalia and their love for each other. "You really mean a lot to me, Nathalia." his voice was heard underneath her bucket hat. He knew that no matter where his journey took him, his heart would always belong to Nathalia. She smiled at him, almost teary eyes.

She held the palm of his hands. "Promise me something that no matter what, you'll always follow your dreams to be true to yourself."
"Just be happy, you have an amazing life ahead of you -     "we, " Joshua said sharply. "We have an amazing life ahead of us," Nathalia smiled at him.