THE LOVE IS NEVER LOST

I LOST MY PRECIOUS ITEM

I LOST MY PRECIOUS ITEM
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It’s a quiet afternoon at school, and Emily is sitting at her desk, staring out the window. Jack has been absent for a week, and she’s been growing increasingly worried. The bell rings, signaling the end of the school day, but Emily isn’t in a hurry to leave. She slowly gathers her things, her mind filled with uneasy thoughts about Jack’s sudden absence.

Scene: Emily’s Discovery
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Emily: (to herself, frowning as she walks out of school)
“Where is he? It’s been a whole week, and he hasn’t even called…”

She decides to head over to Jack’s house, hoping to finally get some answers. As she approaches the familiar house, she notices the curtains are drawn, and the place seems unusually quiet. Emily’s heart begins to pound with anxiety. She knocks on the door, and after a moment, Jack’s grandfather, Mr. Howard, opens it. He looks frail, and his eyes are tired.

Grandpa: (weakly, offering a small smile)
“Emily, dear. What brings you here?”

Emily: (concerned, peering inside)
“Hi, Mr. Howard. I’ve been really worried… Jack hasn’t been at school all week. Is he okay?”

Grandpa: (his smile falters, and he looks away, his voice heavy)
“Come in, Emily. There’s something I need to tell you.”

Emily steps inside, feeling a knot tighten in her chest. The living room, once filled with warmth and laughter, feels cold and empty. She sits down on the couch, her eyes searching Grandpa’s face for answers.

Grandpa: (sighing deeply as he sits down beside her)
“Jack… he’s not here, Emily. He left.”

Emily: (her heart skips a beat, her voice shaking)
“Left? Where did he go?”

Grandpa: (pauses, struggling with the words)
“His mother came back. She’s been living in Canada for the past few years… and she wanted to take him with her.”

Emily: (stunned, her eyes widening)
“Canada? But… why didn’t he tell me? Why didn’t he say goodbye?”

Grandpa: (sighing, his eyes filled with sadness)
“He didn’t want to hurt you, Emily. He thought it would be easier if he just… left without saying anything.”

Emily: (tears welling up in her eyes, her voice trembling)
“But that’s not fair! He’s my best friend… I would’ve understood. I… I could’ve helped him. And what about you? He just left you here all alone?”

Grandpa: (gently, placing a hand on her shoulder)
“He didn’t want to go, Emily. But his mother… she convinced him it was for the best. She promised him a new start, a better life. He was torn, but in the end, he felt he had no choice.”

Emily: (her voice breaking)
“But you’re sick, Mr. Howard. How could he leave you like this?”

Grandpa: (trying to be strong, though his voice is tinged with sorrow)
“He didn’t know, Emily. I didn’t want to burden him. He’s been through enough. I told him I’d be fine… that I’d be taken care of.”

Emily: (wiping away tears, her heart aching)
“I can’t believe he’s gone… without even a goodbye.”

Grandpa: (nodding slowly, his voice gentle)
“I know, dear. It’s hard to understand, but Jack thought he was doing the right thing. He’s always been so protective of you… I think he just couldn’t bear to see you hurt.”

Emily: (biting her lip, her voice filled with pain)
“But it hurts even more now… knowing he’s gone and that I couldn’t even say goodbye.”

Grandpa: (pulling her into a comforting hug)
“I’m so sorry, Emily. I’m sorry you had to find out this way.”