"A sad good-bye" by Adriana Martínez

The day was calm. One more Sunday for most. But without really knowing it, for them, it was a good-bye.

The sky was beautiful, and the weather made it a perfect day for a romantic date. She looked beautiful, the summer wind was good for her, although she hadn't changed much since they had last seen each other. He, on the other hand, looked more mature, the time in another city had changed him.

When they saw each other, their smiles expressed how much they had missed each other, but also that nostalgia in the environment. Things had not been easy and less when there was so much distance separating them, not only in kilometers.

She was at work, even when it wasn't fair; who would spend their weekend on it. Another thing that made them so different. While Elizabeth sacrificed her break time, Liam was on his way to have some fun with his friends. However, for the first time in a long time, they managed to match.

As soon as they were close, they hugged each other with all the time they had missed each other, and for a moment, everything felt as if at the beginning, as if they were only the two of them in the world. In spite of herself, the magic didn't last long. The friend who accompanied him, Mathew, interrupted them, reminding her that things were no longer the same.

- How have you been? – Mathew greeted her trying to fill the awkward silence he had created by separating them.
- Good. Happy to see you again – she kept to herself her discontent for not being able to have a private moment with him.
- It's also nice to see you again, Elizabeth - Liam pulled her back, hugging her in his arms.

The girl could smell his perfume, bringing memories to her mind. Her eyes crystallized as she whispered that she had missed him, without his friend listening to her.

- How is your job going? Why a Sunday? – he asked her as they separated again, and the feeling of emptiness returned to her.
- I have been assigned this turn. I can't refuse it; It's not exactly easy to get a job these days - she didn't tell him it was an extra turn she was taking to have more cash since her mother had gotten sick again.

For some reason, apart from the presence of the other boy, it didn't feel right to tell him that. The trust that long ago had made her confess all her secrets and problems, it was broken now. There was only a sad feeling for all the things she kept for herself, without telling him, even when it was what she really wanted to do.

- We're about to go to the cabins. How much break time do you have? – His voice was not the same as she remembered. Age began to accentuate in him. Another change she couldn’t perceive for distance.
- 10 minutes left – she whispered sadly. She wanted more time with him. Just a little more and so she could tell him everything she had been planning all morning. But she didn't feel able to do it. Even when her heart was shouting for her to do it.
- It's a shame. I wanted to spend more time with you before I left – he took her hand and looked into her eyes as he smiled at her.

How much she loved that smile. It was all she wanted to see. Everything that mattered. That feeling, hope, came back to her with his words.

- So do I. Maybe we can see each other when you come back. I'll be free at night – she replied, dedicating him one of her best smiles.

Maybe they could do it. She would try, put aside the doubts, lock the fear and throw the key into the sea. For once, she would allow herself to do what she wanted and not what she was supposed to do.

- I don't think you can Liam. Remember that we must go with your girlfriend to that party – his friend once again interrupted them. His words broke her again. She had suspected it, but he hadn't confirmed anything, until now.

Then she looked at him. He looked away from her and released her hand. It was true. It was late. He had given up, tired of waiting for her. He had found someone else. She tried not to break and replied with all the effort it took her not to break into tears in front of him.

- Oh, it's fine. It will be another time – she said as she smiled, hiding her emotions. She knew well that there would be no other occasion. That was the end.
- Yes. I'm sorry I didn't remember that party, Elizabeth – he seemed confused. He stepped back and looked at her strangely as if he had expected a different reaction.
- Don’t worry. There’s no problem – She wanted to run from there - I think I should go back - said Elizabeth as she checked her watch, her mind sending danger signals.

Liam seemed to want to say something else. But he did not. Instead, he just nodded and said goodbye.

- Good. It was good to see you Elizabeth. Take care. – something in his eyes, in his voice, made her feel like a little girl. As if she had lost something very valuable.
- You too Liam. Have a good time. - Elizabeth replied as she returned to the office.

The boy rode the motorcycle, accompanied by his friend and they left. As fast as he had come into his life, he was gone. There was nothing she could do to change it. She lost him.