The soft chime of the bell rang through the bookstore as Mr. Carrick entered, his usual brisk walk slower than usual. He was in his late sixties, with a round belly and an ever-present smile that made him a fixture in the bookstore for years. He was one of Lena's earliest and most loyal customers, always making time to chat about books, life, and the changes he saw in the world.
Lena had grown fond of the old man, and over time, their conversations had shifted from simple exchanges about novels to deeper discussions about life and its inevitable ups and downs.
Today, as the late afternoon light streamed through the window, Lena could feel the weight of her thoughts pulling at her. She hadn't been able to shake the conversation she had with Theo just hours earlier—the letter, the opportunity, and the knot in her stomach that wouldn't loosen. She was in no mood to go home just yet, and Mr. Carrick's presence seemed like a welcome distraction.
He made his way over to her, setting a copy of The Great Gatsby on the counter. "Lena, my dear. How's life treating you?"
She forced a smile. "It's treating me like a novel I can't quite finish. But it's getting there."
Mr. Carrick raised an eyebrow and leaned in, eyes twinkling. "Something weighing on you?"
Lena hesitated, glancing at the stack of books behind her, then back at the old man. She was tempted to push her emotions aside, but something about Mr. Carrick's steady presence made her want to share.
"Theo's leaving," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's been offered an assignment abroad. It's a big opportunity. And... I don't know what to do with it."
The words hung in the air between them, raw and vulnerable. Mr. Carrick's gaze softened, and he placed a hand over his heart as though he understood exactly what she was feeling.
"Ah, young love," he said, with a fondness that made Lena's chest ache. "The heart never listens to reason when it's in love, does it? But sometimes, my dear, it's not about holding on so tightly that you forget to live."
Lena looked up, confused. "What do you mean?"
He took a slow breath. "Love isn't just about being together all the time. It's about letting the other person grow, even if it means a little distance. The right person will always find their way back to you if it's meant to be. But you need to let them go, give them that space."
Lena's chest tightened at his words. She had always feared losing Theo, but in that moment, she realized he might be running toward something bigger, something he needed. And maybe, just maybe, that was okay.
"And if they don't come back?" she asked softly.
He smiled kindly, his eyes full of wisdom. "Then you'll know it wasn't meant to be. But at least you'll have had the courage to let them go, and you'll still have your heart intact. Trust in the journey, Lena. You've been through enough storms to know that there's always sunshine after."
She nodded, wiping at the unexpected tears that had gathered in her eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Carrick. I needed to hear that."
The old man patted her hand gently. "Anytime, dear. Anytime."
---
Later that evening, as the bookstore closed and the day faded into night, Lena couldn't shake the sense of clarity that had come over her. The words Mr. Carrick had shared lingered in her mind. Let him go. Let him grow. She had always been the one to hold tight, to cling to what she loved, afraid of losing it. But love wasn't about possession. It was about trust.
She looked at the clock. Theo hadn't shown up yet, but she knew he would. The weight of their earlier conversation was still between them, but she didn't feel the panic she had before. For the first time, she felt the sting of loss, but it wasn't overpowering—it was just a part of the journey, like the ebb and flow of the tide.
When Theo entered the bookstore, the tension in her chest loosened slightly. He smiled, but she could see the hesitation in his eyes, the quiet uncertainty. She didn't wait for him to speak. Instead, she walked over and took his hand.
"I've been thinking," she began, her voice steady but soft. "I've been holding onto something for so long that I forgot what it means to let go."
Theo's gaze darkened, concern flashing in his eyes. "Lena, you don't have to—"
"No," she interrupted, squeezing his hand. "I do. You have to go. I want you to go. It's your dream, and I know you need it. But what I'm asking is for you to come back. If you still want to."
He blinked, surprised by the calmness in her voice. He hadn't expected this.
"You're not afraid I'll leave you behind?" he asked softly, his voice a mixture of relief and fear.
Lena shook her head, her eyes softening. "I don't know what's going to happen, Theo. But I know that I love you. And I want you to do this. I want you to go because it's what you've always wanted. But if you come back... if it's meant to be... I'll be here."
Theo's chest tightened. There was something in her words—an honesty, a trust—that made him feel lighter than he had in days.
"I will come back, Lena," he said, his voice firm now, conviction seeping into his words. "But don't do this for me. Do it for you. Don't let me be the reason you hold yourself back."
Lena stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his chest. She could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, feel the warmth of his skin through the thin fabric of his shirt. She wanted to hold onto this moment forever, but she knew she had to let go. It was the hardest thing she had ever done.
They stood there, in the dim light of the bookstore, for what felt like forever, until Theo finally pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers.
"Do you want to spend the night with me?" he asked, his voice low, full of longing.
Lena nodded, her heart skipping a beat. "I've never been more sure of anything."
---
The night was spent in a quiet intimacy they had both longed for, but hadn't allowed themselves to embrace fully until now. They didn't need to speak much. Words had already been exchanged, promises made, and the air between them was thick with the emotion they couldn't contain any longer. It was a night of surrender—of giving in to the connection they shared, and in doing so, solidifying the bond between them.
Their love, raw and tender, was no longer just a possibility. It was real.
---
The next morning, as Lena woke to the soft light of dawn spilling across the room, she turned over to find Theo already gone. The bed was still warm, the scent of him lingering in the air. Her heart ached, but she knew it was for the best.
She rose, walked to the window, and gazed out at the calm ocean, feeling the weight of their love and the promise of what was to come.
He would be back. She knew it, even if the waiting was hard.
And in the meantime, she would trust in the journey.
---
[Njoku chioma ]
[Onitsha, Anambra ,state] [08088979665] | [[email protected]] | [http/www.LinkedIn.com/in/chiomanjoku08088979665]
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Objective
Aspiring writer passionate about storytelling, creative expression, and crafting engaging content. Seeking opportunities to develop writing skills, build experience, and contribute original work to a dynamic team or publication.
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Skills
Creative Writing (short stories, essays, poetry)
Basic Editing and Proofreading
Research and Fact-Checking
Strong Grammar and Punctuation Skills
Adaptable Writing Style (formal/informal)
Time Management and Meeting Deadlines
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Education[Chukwuemeka Odumegwu ojukwu university]
— [year two"]
[2023]
Relevant Courses: Creative Writing, English Composition.
Experience (A writer at Goodnovel )
Personal Writing Projects — [since 2020]
I Wrote short stories, blog posts, poetry, or fiction for personal development.
I have completed a good storyline / writing contests / online writing workshops]
I Managed a personal blog or social media page for creative writing.