Fragment of a Star

For fourteen years, he has loved the same girl unwaveringly, patiently. His steadfast devotion was his constant companion in the years of separation. Obstinately holding onto the sliver of memories they shared that one summer.
For fourteen years, she held onto the belief that relationships are shallow bets at fate. Human relations are petty, limited, and easily dismissible. The only relationship she could not cast aside was the family that shackled her into this belief.
Their brief meeting left lingering feelings they could not give up.
To him, meeting her was his salvation: a chance encounter he was praying for unawares. Their memories were a fragment of the star that shone on his darkest days, the silver lining of his lonely life. He fell in love with her, even if she never saw his face.
To her, meeting him was her downfall: a predetermined fate she was unprepared to face. Their conversations were her treasured memories: the carefree days of youth. She was in love with him, and that was the catalyst of her demise.
Fourteen years separated them; a single summer of countless conversations was their connection.