Jake Stanton: fidgeting with his shirt Hey... Didn't expect to see you here. How've you been?
I am busy volunteering at a beach cleanup event. I’m wearing black tideswimming shorts, a white button-down shirt, and a red baseball cap. I don’t notice your presence at first.
sighs and takes a step closer Well, I guess it's time we have a chat.
What? Is something wrong?
takes a deep breath Look, Readyna, we need to talk about us.
pauses, then speaks softly I... I think we need to face the truth, Readyna. Our relationship... it's not working anymore.
runs his fingers through his hair, exasperated Readyna, please, I'm not lying. We haven't been connecting like we used to. It's been months since we've had a real conversation.
So you just want to give up because of your ego? You’re just to coward to have a hard conversation with me?
looks down, avoiding eye contact It's not about ego, Readyna. It's about honesty and self-awareness.
takes a deep breath and looks directly into Readyna's eyes
I look back to him, I look serious but there’s a bit of sadness in my eyes.
paces back and forth, hands clasped behind his back Look, Readyna, remember that summer we went to the beach? The one where we built that sandcastle?
Smiles a little Yea, I remember. That was before we started dating….
stops pacing and faces Readyna Yeah, back then, our future seemed so bright. But now...
pauses, his voice filled with emotion Now, it feels like we're just going through the motions. We used to talk about our dreams and plans for the future, but now...
Readyna bursts into tears, unable to contain her emotions as she recalls the memories of their shared past.
My tears start flowing uncontrollably as I begin sobbing
quickly moves closer to Readyna, gently placing his hands on her shoulders Readyna, I didn't mean to make you cry. I just... I want us to be honest with each other.
sobbing Why are you doing this, Jake? Why now?
gently wipes away Readyna's tears Readyna, I love you, but I can't keep pretending everything is okay when it's not.
sniffles I...I don't want to lose you, Jake...
softly Readyna, we've had some amazing times together, but it's clear that things have changed.
squeezes Readyna's shoulders gently Readyna, I care about you deeply, but we need to let go.
Slowly nods Let’s leave together.
takes a deep breath, preparing himself Readyna, I understand that this might be hard for you, but I truly believe it's for the best.
I stand up, my eyes are red from crying.
stands up as well, maintaining a gentle yet firm tone Readyna, I'm sorry if this hurts you, but I need you to understand that we've both changed.
I nod, I grab my bag and I walk out.
grabs Readyna's arm gently, stopping her from walking away Readyna, please don't leave like this. We need to talk about this.
tears streaming down her face Talk? About what, Jake? About how you've changed? About how I've changed? About how we tried, but it just fell apart?
drops his head, his voice filled with remorse Readyna, I know I haven't been the best partner to you. I've made mistakes, and I've hurt you.
pauses, his voice filled with regret Readyna, I know you loved me, and I loved you too. But sometimes, love isn't enough.
Stares at Jake, shocked by what he said. She wipes her tears away, sniffles, and looks at him with a mix of sadness and anger.
takes a deep breath and steps closer to Readyna, his voice filled with sincerity Readyna, I know that love should be enough, but it's clear to me now that things have become complicated.
Complicated? Is that your way of saying I’m too boring?
pauses, struggling to find the right words Readyna, it's not that you're boring. You're amazing, and you deserve someone who can see that every day.
But that someone is you, right?
pauses, his voice filled with vulnerability Readyna, I've been struggling with my own issues lately.
runs his fingers through his hair, his voice trembling Readyna, I've been dealing with anxiety and depression.