THE PRICE OF HER TEARS

The Beginning ​ It was a sunny Thursday, and Terry stepped out to have his lunch break at work. He was about to go back to work when he saw a pretty, chubby lady climbing the stairs, looking confused. Jennifer had just left her place of work (Jennifer was an IT student), looking for a cybercafe to get some documents printed. ​ Their eyes met briefly, hers curious, his determined. “Are you looking for someone? Terry asked Jennifer. “I am looking for a cybercafe and was directed here,” Jennifer replied. Terry directed her to the cafe. “You owe me your name,” Terry said as she was about to leave. ​ “Jennifer,” she said, smiling. “Jennifer,” he repeated slowly. “Beautiful name, my name is Terry, can I have your number please”? ​ She hesitated, but his charm disarmed her. With ease, she gave him her number and left. ​ That was the beginning of their love story, in stolen glances and frequent dates. Terry was from a wealthy home, arrogant, and he drank, smoked, and had previously left school just because he was involved with a set of bad people. He never believed in true love; however, Jennifer was determined to guide him through life and make his path right. He always told her that he would change for her, and she never doubted him for once. ​ Their love blossomed quickly. In the evenings, after Jennifer closed from work, they would take a stroll around the town, making plans for their future. ​ Early Cracks Terry was bold with words, but Jennifer was bold with love. She expressed her love to him in different ways, slipping him food she saved from her portion at work, getting him a little gift from her savings, and staying up late to listen to his dreams. “You will see,” she told him. “One day, you will rise.” He smiled at her faith, though his eyes sometimes carried shadows he didn't explain. Even in the early days of their love, signs were there that Terry's love was not like hers. Sometimes, he goes out for hours with no explanation. When she asked, he brushed it off. “I’m a man, Jennifer. Don't start asking me unnecessary questions.” She laughed it away. On one occasion, she had been threatened by a lady to leave her man alone. “I heard you have been parading yourself around my man. I traveled, and I will soon be back. You should stay away from him,” the strange lady said to her. As usual, Terry used his charming words to deceive her, and she believed him. Jennifer was a well-trained lady; she had a lot of dreams and thought she had found someone to share these dreams with. She was in her final year in school, and was planning on traveling abroad for her master's after school. ​ “Since your wish is to travel abroad after school, I would love to travel too. My parents have always wanted me to travel abroad, but I refused. Now I have a good reason to travel,” Terry said as they sat in her room in school. “We will travel together, make enough money, and start our own family. We will live a life where we don't have to count every coin before eating”. ​ Jennifer smiled, her heart joyful. “Thank you, my love. When Hearts Collide Terry’s charm was like fire. Warm enough to draw you close, dangerous enough to burn you. Before Jennifer, he had moved from woman to woman, never staying long. Always chasing. Sometimes, the past doesn't die easily. A few months into his relationship with Jennifer, Terry received a call. An old flame from his player days claimed she had given birth to his child. At first, he dismissed it as a trap, but when pressed, the truth came to light. “Terry, how could you?” “It was before you,” he insisted, holding her hands. “Jennifer, please, don't let this destroy us.” Her heart wavered, torn between betrayal and love. She wanted to leave, but something in his desperate eyes held her back. Against her better judgment, she stayed and asked him to inform his parents. When dreams speak Terry had eyes for luxury. He always talked about how he would buy cars and party when he started making money. His mother noticed some positive change in his life and wanted to know the person who had this much influence on her son. ​ It was a cool Sunday afternoon. After church service, Terry took Jennifer to his mum. “Mum, meet Jennifer, the girl I told you about. She just graduated and is looking for a job; she sells fashion items too”. “Wow, how are you doing, my dear? Terry’s mum asked Jennifer.” Very fine ma, good to see you,” Jennifer replied to his mum. ​ Things were moving so fast, Jennifer had her convocation, and Terry and his family attended. Preparations for travel began. They both took international exams. Terry initially applied to Canada but received a rejection. Jennifer, on the other hand, had a 50% scholarship. ​ “My love, I do not think you should proceed with yours,” Terry said to Jennifer. “If you apply, you have high chances of getting the visa, and we will be apart.” Jennifer paused for a while and stared at her man. ​ Love, they say, makes people do crazy things. Jennifer paused her application, and they both agreed to try another country. ​ Terry got his visa, Jennifer got admission, but was struggling to get her complete fees. “When you go, she whispered one night, her finger tangled with his, promise me you will never forget me.” ​ He turned to her, his eyes burning with a mixture of determination and tenderness. “I swear it, Jennifer. You are my beginning and my end. No matter where I go, no matter how long, my heart will always beat for you and will return to its owner”. ​ The words tasted sweet, like truth. Jennifer carried them in her heart like a sacred vow. She didn't know that vows, when tested by time and distance, sometimes break under the weight of life’s harsh realities. ​