Love and Resilience

The Last Bouquet (pt 1)

SERENA’S POV

Tomorrow would mark our third monthsary, and as I prepared to end our relationship, a deep sadness enveloped me.

For the past two weeks, I had been pushing Jovana away, maintaining distance and offering excuses. I could see the hurt in her eyes each time she reached out, and it broke my heart to know that my actions were causing her pain.

Tonight, I was back at the café where Jovana had first asked me to be her girlfriend. The rooftop, with its breathtaking view of the city, was where we had shared so many special moments. It seemed fitting, in a melancholic way, to end things here.

As I arrived, I saw Jovana already waiting at the table. The warm glow of the setting sun bathed the rooftop in a golden light, and the sight of her brought a fresh wave of sorrow. She was holding a bouquet of pink tulips, my favorite flower.

The thoughtfulness of the gesture only deepened my regret for what I was about to do.

"Serena!" Jovana greeted me with a bright smile, standing up as I approached. She handed me the bouquet, her eyes sparkling with hope. “I got these for you. I thought we could celebrate our monthsary here, where it all began.”

I took the flowers with a trembling hand, my heart aching. “Thank you, Jovana. They’re beautiful.”

We sat down, and Jovana’s hand reached across the table to mine. Her touch was warm and comforting, but I couldn’t shake the heaviness in my chest. I had been struggling with how to start this conversation, but now that we were here, I knew it was time.

"Jovana, there’s something important that I want to talk about."  I began, my voice wavering.

Her expression grew concerned. “What is it, love? You’ve seemed distant lately, and I’ve been worried.”

I looked down at the bouquet in my hands, trying to find the strength to say the words. “I’ve been thinking a lot about us… about our future.”

Jovana’s eyes searched mine, filled with confusion and concern. “What are you saying?”

“I think it’s best if we break up,” I said, forcing the words out. Each syllable felt like a weight pressing down on my chest. “I need to focus on myself right now, and I don’t want to drag you into something that might not work out.”

Her face fell, her eyes wide with shock. “Break up? pero bakit, Serena? We’ve been so happy. Akala ko okay lang ang lahat, nag celebrate tayo ng monthsary natin a month ago tapos  ngayon ganito sasabihin mo sakin? Serena, naguguluhan ako."

“It’s not about what’s wrong with us,” I said quickly, tears stinging my eyes. “It’s about me needing to deal with some things on my own. I don’t want to be a burden to you.”

Jovana’s hand slipped from mine, and she looked down at her lap, her voice trembling. “Did I do something wrong? Is there someone else?”

“No, Jovana,” I said, shaking my head. “Walang iba. It’s about me needing space to figure things out.”

Her voice was barely a whisper. “But we’ve shared so much together. I don’t understand why you’re doing this."

“I’m sorry,” I said, tears spilling down my cheeks. “I just think it’s for the best.”

Jovana stood up, her face pale and eyes glistening with tears. “No, this is not for the best, love. I don’t want to lose you, Serena. Please, don’t leave me like this.”