KttK | 24
“Oh.” His eyes couldn’t hide the anguish he felt. “You’re successful; you’re beautiful; you’re perfect; I’m happy for you.” Annie felt that their conversation needed an end. She wanted to walk away and forget everything. But her lips moved. “Why did you leave me?” she asked. “Why did you break your promise, Keith?” He stared at her. “I’ve been longing to ask you this question,” she said. “Why, Keith? You promised that you’ll never... ...leave me.” Keith couldn’t say a word. “Answer me!” she said. “I trusted you because I thought you loved me.” “I did… I still do.” he answered. “I’m so sorry Annie.” “I’ve heard those words before, “she interrupted. “Those useless words.” Annie couldn’t hold her tears any longer. Keith touched her flawless cheeks and wiped the tears. She backed off. “I just wanted to clear things up.” “I know you still love me.” Keith said. She couldn’t look at him. “I have fulfilled my dreams…our dreams, without you. I became a better person with your absence. I loved myself even more when you left me. I don’t need you anymore.” Annie walked away. Her heart was pounding and she was bruised all over again. “I came back.” Keith yelled. “I came back Annie. But you didn’t wait for me.” Annie stopped. She shook her head in disbelief. “The day I went, I left a letter at your doorstep. I wrote in there that I was going to college. I wanted to achieve our dreams. I wanted to be a better person for you.” Annie was ruined. She fell to the ground and broke down. The pain felt like a dagger stabbed at her back. Keith came close to her and hugged her tightly. Annie’s face was hidden in his arms. They treasured that moment stolen away from them.
The sun was shining now. Everything was silent except for the splash of playful waves. Keith felt Annie’s lovely face. He remembered the first time he saw Annie, it was also the same time he felt in love her. Her pretty eyes, her infectious laughs, her wonderful personality… she had everything a man could ask for. Annie held Keith’s hand. His hands moved a tiny bit. She noticed something glitter. It shone in the sun like some heavenly treasure. Its silvery flush was warm to the eyes. Keith opened his hand and showed it to her. “I was going to give you something similar to this but…” Keith said. Annie looked at him. “Keith, you’re…” “I still love you.” Keith said. “I’m sorry.” She gazed at Keith’s fourth finger and her heart was full of regret and pain. Her tears fell for the millionth time. But there was nothing she can do now. “I’m married.” Keith said. Annie felt Keith’s hand slide into hers but no matter how much she wanted to cling and feel his tender fingers, it was way too late. Her heart’s too battered that no machine or person could ever fix it. She knew they couldn’t trick fate. She gave Keith a kiss on his forehead and with a heavy heart, she walked away. The paper boat she set on the waters was drowning together with her dreams and hope. Keith waded into the waters. He picked up the paper boat. He didn’t want it to drown. It was 6:30 am. Everything had changed. She was in her paisley scarf. And he was in his black sweater. K