Connected Blood

Today marks our first anniversary, and everything has to be perfect—romantic and sophisticated. I know it’s unconventional for a woman to orchestrate something like this, but for him, I’d do anything. I’m certain he’s prepared a surprise for me as well. I rented out the entire restaurant for our dinner. The lighting was just right, soft and warm, with rose petals scattered across the floor. The table was elegantly set, and Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s Die with a Smile played softly in the background. Everything was ready. All that was missing was him. Sipping on wine, I sat quietly, waiting. Then I heard the door open. He stepped in, smiled faintly, and walked towards me. My heart sank a little when I noticed he wasn’t holding a bouquet. Still, that didn’t matter much—what mattered was that he was here, celebrating with me. He kissed my cheek and took the seat across from me. “Happy Anniversary,” he said with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. I brushed off the odd feeling, dismissing it as overthinking. “Let’s get straight to the point,” he began, exhaling deeply. “I don’t want to waste any more time. Thank you for everything, Sync. I truly appreciate it, but—” I cut him off quickly, trying to avoid what I knew was coming. “Let’s eat first. The food’s better while it’s still warm,” I said, picking up my fork and spoon, forcing a smile. He sighed. “Sync, listen. I’m not even putting effort into this relationship. Every month, you’re the one who plans everything, surprises me, and goes all out. Meanwhile, I…” He trailed off, glancing around the room. I looked away, not ready to hear the rest. His words hit me like a slap in the face because they were true. I was the one constantly making an effort. He never gave me gifts or planned surprises. But I couldn’t blame him; it was my choice to pour my heart into this relationship. Perhaps he only stayed with me because of our love team. Yet, despite everything, I held on, hoping he’d eventually love me as much as I loved him. “Win, come on. Let’s just eat,” I said, trying to lighten the mood. I placed a piece of chicken on his plate. “Here, your favorite.” But he didn’t touch the food. His eyes stayed locked on me, serious and unwavering. “Sync, I don’t want to drag this out any longer.” “Stop!” I yelled, my voice trembling. Tears streamed down my face, no longer restrained. “Don’t say another word.” “I’m breaking up with you, Sync,” he said firmly, his voice cold and detached. “I’m tired of this relationship. I’m not happy anymore.” His words cut through me like a knife. I searched his eyes, hoping for even a flicker of hesitation, but there was none. “I’m tired too!” I shouted back, my voice cracking. “I’m not happy either, but I never thought of giving up. I believed we could fix this, that we could make it work. Is happiness all you’re looking for? Is this your surprise for me? Win, it’s our anniversary!” The pain was unbearable, as though the heavens had collapsed upon me. I had expected a gift, a symbol of his love, but all I got was heartbreak. He stood up abruptly, turned his back on me, and left. Just like that, in the blink of an eye, it was over. --- “I DON’T WANT TO LIVE ANYMORE!” I screamed into the void. “EVERY MAN I LOVE LEAVES ME! THEY HURT ME! THEY’RE ALL JERKS! AAAAAAAHHHHHH!” I collapsed on the ground, tears streaming uncontrollably. “Earth, swallow me whole! Kill me now!” I cried out, my voice raw and broken. “Could you stop screaming? You’re disturbing everyone here!” I turned to see Max, my one and only best friend, glaring at me. “Well, if it isn’t Sync, the famous actress who’s always heartbroken. Why didn’t you tell me you’d be coming here? Let me guess—you got dumped again?” she said, arms crossed. “It’s been over a week since your last breakdown here at the rooftop.” I ran to her and hugged her tightly, sobbing uncontrollably. The pain was unbearable, my heart shattered into pieces once again. “You gave your all, leaving nothing for yourself, and yet they couldn’t love you back,” she whispered, stroking my back gently. I had thought giving everything would make them stay, but I was wrong. “All I want now is to die,” I muttered, my voice hoarse. “You want to die because of that?” she scoffed. “Do these men give you life? Are they your oxygen? Sync, you’ve survived without them before. Look at you—despite everything, you’re still standing. You deserve so much more than those idiots. You’re Sync, remember? Don’t let them win.” Her words pierced through the fog of my despair, though I couldn’t stop the tears. After my dramatic outburst, Max walked me to my car. "Go get some rest, call me when you arrive home. Don't think of him, okay?" I just nodded my answer as she slammed the door and went back inside the building. As soon as I got in, memories of him flooded back. My tears fell anew, and I cursed my eyes for betraying me. I started the car and drove aimlessly, tears blurring my vision. I wanted to escape, to forget every trace of us. If he could walk away so easily, why couldn’t I? Glancing at the backseat, I saw the remnants of our time together—the pillow with his face on it, the cake from earlier. I clenched the steering wheel tightly, my frustration boiling over. “What did I do to deserve this?” I muttered through gritted teeth. “I loved him, and yet it feels so wrong.” I slammed my fists against the steering wheel, letting out all my anger and sorrow. I thought I’d cried enough earlier, but the pain kept resurfacing. Why was love so cruel to me? My vision grew hazy, and I struggled to see the road ahead. Wiping my tears, a bright light suddenly flashed to my side, and then everything went black.