After the 5 year sentence, he stepped out of his nightmare and carried on walking without turning back. He was certain he was ready for a fresh start, but it was at that point that her words rang in his ears… It’s over.

“Look at me”, she glanced at him with tears in her eyes, “tell me you don’t love me” he continued. Nina paused for a moment and took a shuddering breath as her voice grew with strength. “You couldn’t have loved me while you were away. You never have, you never have!” Immediately he grabbed her hand and expressed himself with remorse. “I’ve made mistakes, yes, errors but that has nothing to do with love, it’s been a disaster but I’ve always loved you Nina, always”. She stopped, and turned her gaze down onto their dark shadow so as to hide the tears that welled in her dreary eyes. She knew that this had to be the end. “Stop” she replied, in a manner she hoped was stern, though he heard through the cracks in her trembling voice. “Go on; tell me that you don’t love me”. His words pierced her broken heart and all she could hear at that moment was the thunderous beat that was erupting in her chest. She opened her mouth, and with deep regret mumbled “I don’t love you”.

He gazed at the clear summer sky while the warm rays of the sun shone upon his beautiful brown eyes. He didn’t want to watch the love of his life leave; he couldn’t bear to see her go. Not knowing what to feel or say, he was frozen for a second and took a deep breath before gathering the strength to walk too. He walked puzzled, what had just occurred was playing back in his mind like a broken record – he couldn’t shake the thoughts that engulfed him. As he stared at nothing but the solid concrete ahead of him it started to rain. It rained so heavily that he could hear the force of the rain pounding the ground beneath his unsteady steps, causing him to increase his pace. It was then that he came across a river. A calm, clear river – much the opposite of the thoughts that took over his troubled mind – a serene place, with a certain air about it, that encouraged him to peer into its crystal waters. The rippled reflection that was before him was indicative of the way he felt. Torn apart by the girl he loved; he could not think straight once again. A surge of emotions overcame him and he stood there, in tears.

Alone she lay in her bed, wishing he was right beside her. ‘’Things happen for a reason’’ she convinced herself while sorting through old pictures. Her voice was quiet, almost silent so she could pretend to hear his voice, but at that point it was just too late.

Monday morning, the day that most people dread – and Nina was no exception. As she got up she took a deep breath and peered out of her window. The gleaming smile she was known for had faded and her heart was heavy as she got ready for the long day ahead of her. There was a sudden knock at the door, and although she had left him only a day before, her heart skipped a beat at the idea of it being Sebastian. Alas, and there he was; with a face lit up like a thousand stars. He could not hide his delight, though Nina’s demure did not mirror his. The lack of eye contact, her body language and overall aura was evanescent. Sebastian was keen to step foot in her apartment to sort things out however with the first step he took, he noticed the luxury which surrounded him. His eyes scanned the whitewashed walls and saw a picture of Nina’s graduation. It was then that the truth hit him, the sudden realisation as to why his relationship with Nina had unraveled came to light. Nina had rejected him with the courage and strength to let go. She did love Sebastian, but she had to end it with him, not because she didn’t love him but due to his education. Nina was a top dog while he was a little fish. It all made sense now but the question was: was he going to keep studying in order to save his relationship?