The Crossroads
With a smile on her face, Laika felt the warmth of the steam rising from her coffee. Ryanne sat opposite her, his fingers tapping quickly on his laptop while his gaze remained riveted there. They had become used to their daily schedule, which called for them to work separately on Thursday nights at their favorite corner table in the little downtown cafe while enjoying the quiet while the city came to life outside.....
Laika took notes as ideas came to her while she happily scanned the most recent publications in her profession. She enjoyed these nights, feeling intimate with Ryanne even as they lost themselves in their separate worlds. Being close to him was reassuring because of his constant presence. This location gave me a sense of peace and fellowship after a demanding week.
She glanced up and saw Ryanne, with a tiny furrow on his brow, staring closely at his computer. Even during these precious, tranquil times, he seems restless and distracted lately. His reclusiveness had begun to bother her, but at first she dismissed it as stress from his job. She didn't probe, as usual, but instead waited patiently for him to open up when he was ready.
However something wasn't the same tonight. With an audible click, Ryanne closed his laptop and sighed heavily. Laika put her drink down, looking worried.
"Everything alright?"
With downcast eyes, he paused. "A job offer came in."
His tone had an air of finality that made Laika's speech plummet.
Though she already knew the answer, she whispered gently, "Where?"
"a bit far. Better salary and greater responsibility make this an excellent opportunity. But..." Ryanne faltered, not knowing how to go on.
Laika ended for him, grief rising within. "But it means leaving." As their professions developed, she had anticipated this day but tried to put off meeting it. She had erected walls around that dread, but now reality shattered them.
Ryanne ran a hand through his hair, pleading.
"I realise this wasn't our original plan. However, this is my goal and the reason I attended school. I believe I must accept it."
With a trembling breath, Laika tried to control the terror that was building inside of her as her once-certain future started to fall apart. They would lose everything that had marked their life together, including this cafe, their riverside walks, and their movie evenings on their tiny sofa. And she was more afraid of the unknown path ahead than the loss of all they had created.
How about us? Before she could intervene, the shaky words began to flow.
Not only did this choice affect Ryanne, but it also redefined the basis of her universe. She was in love with him and needed his unwavering support and affection to feel rooted. She was unable to breathe because of just the prospect of navigating changes.
With regret in his eyes, Ryanne extended his hand to grasp hers.
"Laika, I'm not sure. I really do love you, but this is difficult. Alright, let's sort it out. Say you'll help me with this, please."
Laika looked into his face as she swallowed the knot in her throat. Even as her heart broke at the notion of being apart from him, she saw the desperate hope there, the cry to comprehend his ambi-tions. She inhaled nervously and uttered a whisper.
"You have my undying support, Ryanne. I just need some time to think about it."
He nodded, regret and relief coexisting on his face. He squeezed her hand and gave her a little, appreciative smile that stopped short of his eyes. Their happy routine burst around them, and they descended into an uneasy stillness. The city lights flashed on outside, becoming blurry as Laika's eyes filled with tears. Her once-clear future disappeared into the encroaching gloom.
