Undying Love: Maria the Orphan

I didn't wake up this morning despite the phone's ringing. Instead, I leapt out of bed at the sound of Sophie pulling the curtain aside. Oh God, I slept too much and didn't notice a thing! I rushed downstairs after quickly changing my clothes. 

Surely, the manager will give me an earful today. I didn't even have time for breakfast, which made me dash out quickly, ignoring my mother's calls and her scolding. 

I arrived a few minutes late, but thankfully, no one noticed. Relieved, I immersed myself in the pile of work waiting for me, as usual. 

During lunch, Livia came to my office. I had truly missed her and her delightful conversations. 

She greeted me reproachfully: 

"Hello, Snow White! You've left an empty space in my life. Have you forgotten your friend?" 

I replied, feeling sorry for her: 

"Don't say that. You're always on my mind. Tell me, how's your father's health?" 

She answered: 

"He's better now, much improved." 

Hearing this made me happy. I assured her warmly: 

"Livia, he's your father. Take care of him. You won't truly understand the value of a father until he's gone. I lost mine when I was young, and now I need him, but those who leave never return." 

Sensing my sadness, Livia tried to console me: 

"Don't worry, dear. You have your mother and Sophie, and now there's Jack, filling the void and giving you the fatherly warmth you miss. Tell me, how was your weekend with him?" 

I replied: 

"They were beautiful moments, full of love and harmony. I wish they had never ended." 

Livia asked: 

"Maria, is Jack's vacation nearing its end, or does he still have time?" 

I answered: 

"I think he doesn't have much time left. He'll return to his country soon, and I don't know how I'll manage without him." 

She reassured me: 

"Don't worry, dear. He'll visit you during his vacations. For now, live in the moment and cherish it." 

Our workday ended, and everyone went their separate ways. Jack was waiting for me as usual. He invited Livia and me out for drinks, and we spent a wonderful evening laughing and chatting. Time passed quickly, unnoticed. 

As we parted ways, Livia hurried home, as her parents needed her care. Jack accompanied me to my house, and before saying goodbye, he told me he had only three days left before returning to his country. My heart sank, and I felt tears well up in my eyes. I didn't realize it until a tear rolled down my cheek, which he gently wiped away before pulling me into his arms. 

He promised to call me every night and to visit whenever possible. Tomorrow would be Jack's thirtieth birthday, so I decided to surprise him. I needed to go to bed early to prepare for his birthday, which we would celebrate at our house. 

The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual. I called Livia and asked her to join me after work to shop for Jack's gift and other preparations. I told my beloved not to wait for me, using some pending errands as an excuse. 

At work, I was engrossed in my tasks when Livia arrived to hurry me up so we wouldn't be late. I assured her I'd be done shortly. 

We roamed almost every store and finally decided on a special fragrance after much effort. I bought it and rushed home to find Sophie and my mother had already prepared a large cake and drinks, decorating the place with flowers. 

I showered them with kisses and gratitude, then called Jack to come over immediately. He arrived within minutes and was utterly surprised by what we had prepared. He was overjoyed, as he hadn't expected it. 

We had a wonderful time, eating, drinking, and dancing to the music until it was time to sleep. Livia went home, and Sophie and Mom excused themselves as well. I hurried to fetch the gift and presented it to Jack. He was thrilled and asked to spend some time with me. 

He accompanied me to my room and admired our house. He asked about the adjacent room, and I told him it belonged to my brother Alfredo. I brought out a family photo album while I went to wash off my makeup, preparing for bed. 

Jack insisted on staying until I fell asleep. He played my father's guitar, and I felt deeply comforted. He reminded me so much of my dad, not just in his music but in his sensitivity and refined taste. 

He was the only one who touched my soul, playing a beautiful tune that transported me to a world of purity and ideals. Jack replaced my father in a way, offering me the safety I had always sought but never truly felt. 

The next morning, I woke up to find him gone. I must have fallen asleep while he played. Now, only one day remains before he leaves for his country. My heart aches at the thought, and I hope nothing happens to make him forget me. My heart is so deeply attached to him that I can't bear the thought of losing him. 

Love, it lives to torment us. It begins so beautifully, but soon enough, turns into profound sadness when those we love depart. It feels like living in a body devoid of a soul, stolen away by farewells. 

I fear that's what awaits me—living in sorrow, with Jack far away, taking my soul with him. And I dread whatever fate has in store for me, hidden behind its veils.