Undying Love: Maria the Orphan

Love can lift you to the heavens when you experience genuine, beautiful emotions with your soulmate... but it can also drag you down into a dark abyss when it abandons you. Inside that abyss, you endure pain and regret, realizing you've been betrayed by someone to whom you gave your all. Then comes the crushing truth: it was all a lie, and your pure heart was fooled by your sincerity.

At that point, you'd rather lose yourself in restless nights and chaotic feelings, hidden from everyone, than admit defeat. Pride keeps you from acknowledging the loss, so you retreat into silence, hoping everything will somehow change. Those who love truly often cling to the hope that love might return, repentant.

That morning, as soon as I opened my eyes, I saw a bouquet of roses beside me, their fragrance overwhelming. I was puzzled and wondered who might have left them. I examined them closely and found a card bearing the name John.

What does this person want from me?

I feel nothing for him—my heart no longer beats for anyone. Despite his charm and impeccable manners, John hasn't stirred my emotions. I fear I'll never recover from my love for Jack. I had believed my heart was strong, unaffected by absence, but it is fragile, like a withering autumn leaf swayed by the wind. Love has swept my heart away, leaving it untethered.

I was about to get out of bed when I heard a knock at the door. It was my brother Alfredo, checking on me. He knows my struggles and seems to carry a sense of guilt about what I'm going through.

Alfredo: "Snowhite, do you still love Jack? Please forget him, my dear. He doesn't deserve you."

Me: "You're asking me to forget a part of my soul."

Alfredo: "But he's a liar and a fraud. I'll never forgive him for what he did—he stole my money and exploited your feelings."

Me: "Yet, despite everything, I can't believe he didn't love me."

Alfredo: "How long will you keep living in a time that no longer exists? Everything has changed, my dear. Emotions don't carry the same weight anymore. You need to change and go with the flow."

Alfredo wants me to forget the past and focus on the future. Life won't stop for one person. Perhaps his words make sense, but I'm a sensitive soul, deeply affected by life's circumstances. This time, the strings of life have struck me too harshly, piercing my very core.

I took a shower and changed, trying to forget everything. How I envy those with unburdened hearts! They enjoy a freedom they likely take for granted—waking and sleeping without anyone occupying their thoughts.

I joined them at the breakfast table, where they chatted away, while I sat silent, having nothing to share. John sat beside my brother, stealing glances at me now and then. I thanked him for the flowers and quickly left, as usual, longing for solitude. I no longer savor any moment.

While immersed in my work, Livia entered with another bouquet of roses, her face puzzled. She handed it to me, and without thinking, I threw it to the floor. I knew they were from John. What does he want? I've lost trust in everyone. One man destroyed my faith in them all. People no longer show their true selves; they wear masks by day and remove them by night. How can I uncover their hearts' secrets?

Livia was startled by my reaction and said:

Livia: "Snowhite, but you didn't read the card. It's from Jack."

Dizziness overcame me at the mention of his name. How dare he send me flowers? Which ones should I believe—the ones he sends now or those he sent before? I want to know which one carries his true feelings.

Livia: "What's wrong, dear? I thought you'd be happy. I know he hurt you deeply, but maybe he regrets what he did."

Me: "Enough, dear. He played with my feelings and the sincere love I gave him."

Livia: "Maybe you're right, but no one's perfect. He might have had his reasons. Don't rush; let time reveal the truth."

Me: "I won't forgive him, Livia. If he dares come back to me, I'll make him taste the bitterness I endured and drink from the same cup."

Livia: "I understand, my dear, but don't let hatred consume you. You have a heart as pure as an angel's."

Me: "Livia, a loving heart cannot harbor hatred. It chooses instead to bear love's torment and brush away the dust of memories to preserve its dignity."

I couldn't focus on my growing workload; my thoughts were scattered. I had made a mistake by surrendering to a mysterious love cloaked in ambiguity. How foolish I was not to ask more questions about his life and work. Now, I'm paying the price. His love transformed me into a rebellious fish stranded onshore, seeking a better life, hoping to find what I've been searching for.

After work, Livia and I wandered through shops, exploring new things. She does everything possible to uplift me and help me accept the reality imposed on me. I, in turn, am trying to reconnect with myself, though I've become a stranger, navigating the unknown with broken wings. Who knows what the future holds?