it hurts

it was a beautiful spring day and there he was. walking happily along the sidewalk towards her holding a card in his hand. he smiled as he came nearer. she smiled back. she had never felt so happy. he reached her and gave her a hug. she felt his arms around her and never wanted to let go. with him she felt comfortable and safe - two things she never wanted to take for granted, and she never wanted to lose.

they said hello and began walking together enjoying the nice weather, breathing in the scents of spring and of each other. he was enjoying the day so much that he almost forgot about the card in his hand. he looked down at it and sighed. she noticed and looked up at him. he smiled and told her they should find someplace to sit. she agreed.

up ahead was a small wooden park bench. it looked ancient and barely sturdy enough to hold the both of them. it was cracked and more than bits of it were missing from its structure. how many people had sat before them and enjoyed its relaxtion. how many conversations had this small bench heard? oh if only things could talk. for there would be no doubt some insight could be shown on what was about to happen.

they sat down. she reached for his hand and instead of holding hers he simply handed her the card. she looked at him confused. "just read it." he said. she nodded and opened it slowly.

' you have meant more to me than you will ever know. you have been my friend. my love. my everything. you have touched me in ways i don't even think you realize. i remember moments with you that probably might have been insignificant in your eyes - but to me they meant the world. even though we never dated i just want you to know that i care about you more than a lot of people. more than other girls. you are an amazing person and i just want you to know that. i am sorry that this has to end (know that ending this is one of the hardest things i have ever had to do). but the truth of the matter is - its not our time. maybe some day down the road we will have our chance... but if not i just need you to know you have made a difference in my life. i will always remember every way you impacted my life. thank you for everything. i hope that we will still be able to be friends. i love you...'

she couldn't say a word. instead she gave him a hug. she didn't want to let go. and neither did he but she had to. she stood up from the bench. it seemed to sigh for her as she stood. and then she turned and walked away. she never let him see her tears. he wasn't worth it. some say its better to have love and lost than never to have loved at all... but that hurt inside of her was unbearable. she would never forget him... but she wasn't sure she would ever be able to really let him go. perhaps she would never feel his arms around her again, but in some way or another she would always feel him touching her heart.