The workday was finally over. On my way home, I stopped by the grocery store to pick up supplies for the festive table. I didn’t forget a bottle of brandy for Daniel. The final touch—caviar sandwiches on the table, then a quick shower. A new turquoise suit, refreshed makeup, and a few drops of my favorite perfume.
Settling comfortably in an armchair in front of the TV, I prepared to wait. It felt like time itself had paused in anticipation.
Seven, eight o’clock. “No worries, it’s still early,” I reassured myself. Nine, ten. Time dragged on, but Daniel was nowhere to be seen. No call, no text. By eleven, I realized there’d be no miracle. He wasn’t coming…
Why was I waiting for him on this special day, March 8th? Because for the five years we’d been together, he always celebrated it with me.
We met when we were both nearing thirty. Two lonely hearts who hadn’t yet found their other half. For five years, we were in an open relationship. Both Daniel and I enjoyed the carefree life without commitments. To me, this kind of relationship had more downsides than upsides. For example, we constantly argued about who should handle household chores or pay for theater tickets. We weren’t forbidden from spending time with friends or coming home well past midnight.
We fought, distrusted each other, and had jealous outbursts. Another argument would end with Daniel storming out, swearing sincerely that it was the end of us. But our love was mutual, so we couldn’t last more than three days apart. We’d reunite and passionately make up in the bed of our rented one-bedroom apartment.
Another falling-out happened just before the New Year holidays. Daniel wanted to celebrate at his parents’ place, while I dreamed of a magical New Year’s Eve just for the two of us. We argued fiercely. In the heat of the moment, I hurled a string of harsh words at him, even calling him a mama’s boy. He left, tossing the keys on the table and slamming the door.
Two days later, I heard the door being unlocked. Daniel appeared in the doorway, looking sullen.
— This is for you! He handed me a huge white plush teddy bear and a bag of groceries.
— Mom sent some food. You’re wrong, of course, but I can’t live without you.
— I can’t live without you either, I whispered. — Let’s stop fighting!
— Absolutely for it! my beloved smiled.
But it wasn’t that simple. My best friend Grace invited us to celebrate New Year at her countryside cabin. Daniel and I agreed—it seemed like a good compromise. That’s where our next fight happened.
A big crowd gathered. The group toasted the new year together, and after midnight, everyone found their own entertainment. Some were already drunk, some danced, others dozed off. Among those still feasting at the table was Daniel. He was indifferent to dancing, but I really wanted to dance. So when Grace’s brother invited me, I didn’t refuse.
I think William had a bit too much to drink because his embraces grew tighter. One hand held my waist, the other roamed toward my chest. At first, Daniel didn’t even glance our way, but when William scooped me up in his arms and I squealed, he turned his head. Daniel grabbed my dance partner by the collar and suggested they step outside. Sensing trouble, I blocked their path.
— No fights on New Year’s Eve! Got it?!
— Maybe I’m the one who’s extra here? Daniel frowned.
— Don’t talk nonsense! I snapped. — You don’t want to have fun and won’t let others either!
— Sorry, I won’t interfere anymore, my beloved said sarcastically. — Have your fun, I’m leaving.
— You’re leaving? Without me? I whispered, hurt.
— You’re doing fine without me! he smirked.
He pushed me aside, grabbed his coat, and quickly left the house. I stood frozen. What a way to start the new year.
— Olivia, what happened? Grace came over. — Where’s Daniel going?
— I don’t know! He ditched me and left!
I barely held back tears.
— He got jealous of William.
— What’s gotten into him? William’s like a brother to you, you’ve known each other since you were kids.
— Maybe William drank too much. And Daniel… he… I burst into tears, burying my face in my friend’s shoulder.
Grace patted my back sympathetically.
— Don’t stress, sweetie. Tomorrow the alcohol will wear off, emotions will settle, and everything will be fine.
— It’s over, I sobbed. “How you start the New Year…”
My gut feeling was right. Daniel wasn’t home when I got back. His things were gone from the apartment, even his toothbrush.
I was in shock. Swallowing my pride, I dialed his number.
— Daniel, what is this childish nonsense? Where are you?! I shouted.
— Doesn’t matter now. I’ve made up my mind, came the curt reply.
— What happened, and why did you take all your stuff? I don’t understand!
— Leave me alone. It’s not my apartment, and you’re not my wife. I’ll pass the keys through friends.
— What do you mean, leave you alone? Have you lost your mind?
— What’s not clear? Let’s just say we’re not compatible.
— That’s nonsense! I scoffed. — Daniel, I’ll explain everything! Let’s meet now and talk properly.
— I don’t want to see you, ever.
I heard the dial tone, and tears suddenly streamed down my cheeks.
— So you never loved me!
I was furious but kept waiting for him. He always made up first, and I hoped he’d cool off and come back soon. January passed, then February—silence. He didn’t answer my calls.
“It can’t be,” I thought. “Love can’t just vanish or dissolve!” But a nasty inner voice whispered, “He never loved you! Just forget him, he’s not the only one out there.”
Yet I loved him even more than before. The separation sharpened my feelings so much that sometimes I could barely breathe without him. I was suffocating from love. “We don’t value what we have,” I cried at night, my hope for reconciliation fading each day.
My last hope was International Women’s Day. It was almost midnight. I got up from the couch and slowly walked to the table. “That’s it,” I told myself. “As hard as it is, life goes on.” I opened the bottle, thinking I’d drink and go to bed. But I didn’t get the chance.
First, I heard the click of a key, then the door opened, and there was my beloved Daniel. In one hand, he held a bouquet of red roses, the other hidden behind his back.
— You won’t kick me out? he asked, smiling. He was so handsome, the best and only one in the whole world.
I fell into his arms.
— No way… I whispered. — I waited for you so long—day and night, every second! I love you so much! My eyes filled with tears.
— Then you’ve earned a special gift. His smile was guilty. Daniel was clearly nervous.
He extended his hand, holding a small red box.
— This is for you—an engagement ring. You know what it means? Will you marry me?
— I know! Yes! Yes! Yes! I hugged my beloved tightly, clinging to his neck.
0 comments