beyond the pages

chapter 3

Love is real
Chapter 2

Miles's pov

"Hey Ana, I'm here." I placed the flowers on her grave, imagining her smile as she gazed at them. Though I couldn't see her beyond the granite, I knew she smiled.

"Why did you leave me?" I whispered, my voice trembling.

Memories flooded my mind. Ana's words had been my sanctuary. I'd watched her from afar, mesmerized as she read. Her love for stories resonated deeply within me. I longed to connect with her in person, to share the bond we forged through pages.

But then, one day, she stopped reading me. No longer did she pour over my words with love, tears, and empathy. She closed my chapter, leaving me uncertain. She read me but then closed me? I used to share my emotions with you but you didn't read me? You closed my chapter? Leaving me to yearn for you, to yearn when will you read me again?

Two days passed, and her silence stung. I longed for her to delve into my depths, to understand my sorrow and joy. But she didn't.

So, I took a chance and revealed myself. Her brown eyes widened in shock, fear flickering within. Yet, I drew her close, reassuring her, "It's okay, I'm here for you."

Her confession left me breathless: "I loved you, Miles. I imagined you everywhere, and that's why I couldn't read you anymore."

I consoled her, my voice soft and reassuring. "We may not meet in public, but we can steal moments alone, behind closed doors, at night. When the world sleeps, and you're alone with your thoughts, I'll be there, waiting."

"I'll share my deepest feelings with you," I whispered, "and you can read me, truly read me. You'll see every emotion, every thought, every beat of my heart."

"In those quiet hours, you'll be mine, and mine alone," I vowed, my eyes locking onto hers. "And I'll be yours, completely."

She nodded, and our secret meetings resumed. But then, one awful day, she didn't open me. She was gone. Forever.

Ana's passing shattered me. I stood before her grave, anguish consuming me.

"Why?" I screamed, tears streaming down my face. "You promised me, that you will love me, but you left!"

In my despair, I heard her whispered words, carried on the wind: "There's no such thing as unconditional love, Miles. Everyone has conditions to love someone."

Her words cut deep, leaving me broken and questioning everything.

"You're a fictional character," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We can love you, but only in secret, never in person, in front of everyone. Love has conditions, Miles."

I refused to accept it. "No, I loved you unconditionally," I protested. "I always will."

Ana's gaze pierced mine. "It's all an illusion, Miles. Love is unreal."

My heart rebelled. "Love is real," I countered, conviction burning within me.

She smiled faintly. "Prove it."

Determined, I vowed, "I'll show you. I'll demonstrate that love knows no bounds, no conditions."
Love is real

Chapter ends

                       Emily Williams

I slammed the book shut, a shiver coursing through my veins. Ana? Ana met Miles? Was Ana the author, or just another fictional character? My mind reeled.