She wakes up and goes downstairs. On the steps, she finds a love letter. She is not surprised anymore because it has been her boyfriend's M.O. He has the best handwriting she has ever seen and she has received so many handwritten poems from him. All of them expresses his undying and unparalleled love for him They have been going steady for 2 years. He courted her when she was just 14 and the guy was 16. The guy was a smooth talker and when it comes to effort, no girl can say no for long.

He gives her chocolates and flowers everyday. He has befriended her parents. And her parents could really feel his sincerity. Everyday he visits her and sometimes goes home late because he has become best chums with her parents. He would chat for hours with either her mom or dad. Sometimes on a whim, he would show up outside by the window of her room and sings her a serenade. he has a fine voice for reggae. Sometimes, she finds her favorite snacks inside her backpack. The guy has discreetly place them there.

Every single moment with him, she feels that she is loved so much. The way he holds her in his arms, she could never doubt that she is his princess. She can't contain her happiness for her prince loves her more than his own life. If there is someone she would marry, he is the one. 

She meets him on their usual meeting place. 

"Did you get my letter?" He asked

"Yes I did and it was lovely" she replied

They stayed there for a while and when it started to get dark, they went to her home on his bike. When they arrived, she hands him a letter.

"What is this? a break up letter?" He jokes. 

"No! and please only open it when you get home" she said

About 30 minutes to an hour he comes back to her house. 

"How could you do this? What did I do wrong?!" He demanded and tears are already coming out of his eyes like it was Niagara falls.

His shirt was already soiled because he fell on a muddy ditch trying to avoid that truck that almost run him over. He was so in hurry on the way back he almost got into an accident. 

"What do you mean you are not ready?" He continues

"Don't you love me? Look, if you are not ready for a serious relationship, I told you I can wait" 

"I am so sorry but I can't go on with it. You will find someone more deserving of your love, someone who will not take your love for granted. Someone who will love you as much as you do with me" 

"No I will love no one else but you" He said.

"Please let me go" She said

With a heavy heart, he leaves and he wanders the streets of the city up to this day. He goes around scavenging on garbage bins for something to sell so he can buy food. Sometimes he begs for scraps on the restaurant I worked in.  Every time I looked him in the eyes, all I see is despair and sadness. What used to be a dashing handsome face is now blackened with dirt and grime. His hair is so unkempt it looked like dreadlocks and his beard has grown thick and long. It has been 20 years since. 

Sometimes I see him on a street corner, and he sings the saddest rendition of Bob Marley's "No Woman No cry" I have ever heard.