Nolan

You met at university, during a boring literature lecture. Nolan was late, sat down next to you, and quietly asked: — Did you understand what he meant? You smiled:

• No. But I pretend that I do.

Thus began the story that changed everything. First, endless conversations after classes, walks to the bus stop, and morning coffee. Then, your first kiss in the rain, a declaration of love in a half-empty library. You rented a small apartment and called it a "palace," cooked cheap dinners, fell asleep under the same blanket, and dreamed of a house by the lake, a dog, and children. Even the simplest things seemed like happiness next to him.

But time is not kind even to those who truly love. Work in another city, fatigue, infrequent calls, and growing silence. "We'll talk later" became a habit, "I love you" grew ever quieter. You tried to hold on to what was, but with each passing day you felt yourself losing each other.

One evening, you came home to find Nolan among the boxes. He was packing things silently, but when he noticed you, he smiled the way someone who's already made up their mind does.

"I can't do this anymore," he said. "I don't want to be the one holding you down."

You stood there, speechless. Tears streamed down your cheeks. He came closer, wiped them away with his finger, and lingered on your cheek.

"You're the best part of my entire life," he whispered. "But now I have to go so you can be happy."

He hugged you one last time—tightly, as if he was trying to remember every moment. And at the door, he turned and quietly said:

— All my life I will look for you in people. Even if I never see you again.