Love and Resilience

Away from each other

SERENA’S POV

Serena sat in her small office, surrounded by stacks of papers, color swatches, and mood boards. Her eyes skimmed over the detailed plans she’d put together for the event happening in just two days a charity gala for one of her biggest clients. She let out a deep sigh. The next 72 hours would be critical, and she would be away for three days to oversee every last detail of the event. She grabbed her phone and typed out a message to Jovana.

To Jovana
"Hey love, you busy? I miss you :("

Jovana responded almost instantly.

From Jovana
"Never too busy for you. What's up? and I miss you more."

I smiled at the screen. Knowing how hectic Jovana’s schedule had become in the last few weeks, it meant a lot that she always made time for me.

To Jovana
"Just finalizing the plans for the gala. I'll be gone for three days. Can you still drop me off, or is your schedule too packed?"

I waited, glancing at my calendar. In two days, I’d be on-site, setting up one of the biggest events I’d ever organized. There was a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbling inside me. This event would be a turning point for my business.

A notification popped up, pulling me from my thoughts.

From Jovana
"Of course, I'll drop you off. I wouldn’t miss it for anything."

I could almost picture Jovanaa’s smile through the text. Despite everything on Jovana's plate juggling the final months of her oncology fellowship, her never-ending rounds at the hospital, and the pressure of looming exams she still found time for me..

To Jovana
"Sigurado ka love? I know you’re swamped."

From Jovana
"I’m swamped, but I’m also stubborn. I want to be there with you, at least until you kick me out. 😄 I can’t let you go without a proper send-off."

LI chuckled softly, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. Jovana had always been like this supportive and unwavering, even when life got in the way. Four months from now, Jovana would finally graduate from her fellowship, and their schedules might calm down. But until then, things were chaotic.

To Jovana
"I don’t deserve you, alam mo ba yon?"

Jovana replied within seconds.

From Jovana
"Oh please, I’m the lucky one. You're out here running entire events while I’m trying not to fall asleep during rounds. How do *you* do it?"

I leaned back in my chair, smiling to herself. This was why I loved talking to Jovana. Even in the midst of our busy lives, Jovana found ways to make me feel special.

.To Jovana
"Maraming-maraming kape at pag papanggap na alam ko pa ang ginagawa ko🤣."

I sent the text, feeling a bit lighter. Jovana had that effect on me making my worries shrink even when the stress of my work piled on.

From Jovana
"Same here. I’m surviving on coffee and adrenaline. But hey, it’s just four more months. Then we can finally take that trip we've been talking about."

My heart swelled at the thought. We’d been planning a getaway after Jovana’s graduation for what felt like forever. A break from our chaotic lives to just be with each other without any distractions.

To Jovana
"Can’t wait for that. We both need a break."

From Jovana
"You especially. Three days away sounds like torture with how much you care about your work."

I sighed, knowing Jovana was right. I always found it hard to step away, even when I knew I needed the rest.

To Jovana
"I know. But it'll be worth it. This gala could be a game-changer for me. If it goes well, I might even start getting international clients."

There was a pause in the conversation, and I wondered if Jovana was stuck in the middle of something important. Then the next message appeared.

From Jovana
"I’m so proud of you, love. You’ve worked so hard for this. I’m lucky I get to watch you grow like this."

My breath caught in my throat. Jovana always knew what to say to make my heart race. It wasn’t just the big gestures, but these little moments
the constant encouragement and love that made everything feel possible.

To Jovana
"You’re too good to me, you know that?"

From Jovana
"Someone’s gotta be."

I laughed softly, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease a little. I looked at my desk, the work that still lay in front of me, and then back at my phone.

To Jovana
"I should get back to work. You probably should too."

From Jovana
"Yeah, I’ve got rounds in ten minutes. But hey, call me tonight if you need to vent or anything. I’ll be here."

To Jovana
"I will. Thank you, love."

From Jovana
"Always. See you in two days. Love you."

My heart fluttered at the last words. It wasn’t the first time we’d exchanged those words, but it still made me feel warm every time.

To Jovana
"Love you more."

As I set my phone down, I took a deep breath. The next few days would be intense, but I felt ready knowing Jovana would be here, even if just for the start of it.