Drifting apart
It was more difficult for Ryanne than he thought to go back to normal after the weekend. As their days became full with obligations, reality set in and left little time for candid conversation. Laika withdrew emotionally once more and buried herself in her job, avoiding discussions about what may happen next.
Ryanne was desperate to make things right, but he was at a loss as to how to go when she declined to interact. As new responsibilities created space between them, their routines collapsed. Coffee dates were awkward as they sidestepped their problems and talked about unimportant things rather than intimacy.
As usual, Ryanne met Laika in their cafe one Thursday night. She tensely tapped her fingers on the counter rather than sauntering up to their corner table. Is it possible for us to stroll instead? I require some clean air.
He nodded, concerned, and they drove out into peaceful streets lit up by streetlights. Recognising well-known locations brought back nostalgic feelings of times spent together in this place. Laika let out a tremulous gasp as they arrived to the riverfront park in complete silence.
She turned to look out over ripples in the water, lit up by the skyline of the city, and murmured gently, "I got a job offer too." I'm back in my hometown, working at a women's shelter in a fantastic role. I believe I must accept it.
As the news registered, Ryanne made an effort to hide his feelings of concern. Would you relocate when?
She answered, still not looking him in the eyes, "In a month." Everything seems so definitive, you know? Like the finish is actually in sight.
Ryanne reached for her hand and gently squeezed it.
Laika, this doesn't have to mean this is it for us. For the time being, at least until we figure things out, long distance may work.
However, could it? She shot back, her eyes get blurry at last.
These days, it's rare for us to be in the same room without fighting. How are we going to keep our relationship going from one state to the next? Ryanne, it's not reasonable or realistic for any of us.
The usual aching in his chest intensified upon hearing her voice of resignation. But he was not going to give up without a fight.
We have managed to make it work despite adversity. Just give long distance running a chance for us, please. I'm too in love with you to let this end without trying everything.
Laika embraced herself, her eyes filled with sadness.
"I also adore you." However, I believe that for now, some distance could be ideal. Both of us are evolving and maturing in distinct ways. Could it be that we've become more distant from one another as well?"
Her words struck Ryanne in the botton of his stomach like heavy stones. He drew in a big breath, caught between two different futures.
"If that's really what you need, Laika, I'm all for whatsoever choice offers you peace. Even if it's years later, just know that I'm available if you ever want to give it another shot. To me, you remain the most significant individual.
Tears sparkled in the dim light as she stepped forward for a sorrowful hug.
"Ryanne, I appreciate your understanding. One day, I hope, we will be able to look back and be happy with what we had."
As they parted, they gave one other a last, bittersweet kiss that tasted of loss and the ashes of better times.
Then Laika slipped away down the path, leaving Ryanne clutching his broken heart by the river, alone under a blanket of twinkling city lights.
