130 years ago in the summer, 18 year old Azlana was running home. She had just been invited to a picnic with her beloved boyfriend, Derek. Her parents wondered what got her so giddy until she told them the news. They were very happy for her. They dressed her up in a beautiful white sundress and sent her on her way. She got onto her horse and made her way to the same field where they first rode together a year earlier. Once she made it, Derek was waiting on her. He had everything set out, a blanket on the ground with a basket full of pastries on top of it. When he saw her, he got up, looking quite nervous. Azlana assumed that he was nervous for the same reason that she was. “Azlana. You’re looking pretty today… Uh–! Not that you don’t look pretty everyday!” he said, stumbling over his words. Azlana giggled. “Thanks!”

“Please, sit.” Derek said, gesturing to the blanket. Azlana complied and sat on the blanket with Derek. She looked over the field where they had met several times, looking back fondly at their moments together.

“The grass in the field is much higher than the last time we were here.”

Derek took the time to also take a glimpse towards the rolling hills and plains.

“Yeah, it is… Um… Azlana?” He spoke without much confidence.

“You know, it’s been a year since we got together. It doesn’t feel like a year. I’m really glad I met you.” Azlana said, smiling.

“Azlana…” he said, looking down at his fiddling hands.

“Yeah?” Azlana turned to him. Derek's eyes weren’t as bright as they used to be. Something was truly wrong. Azlana grew concerned.

“Are you okay?”

Derek hesitated to answer, he still hadn’t looked into her curious eyes.

“I hate to say this, but…” he said, finally gazing into her eyes.

“This isn’t working out…”

Although Azlana was getting an idea of what he meant, she hoped that he meant something else. “What do you mean?” she said, getting closer to him. Slightly annoyed with her obliviousness, he sighed and stood up, Azlana stood up shortly after. “I’m sorry…”

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

The sadness in Azlana’s eyes was palpable, her eyes tearing up. She knew what he was going to say next, and it was the last thing she wanted to hear. Her heart began to race, desperately scrambling for anything she could do that would make him change his mind. She had waited her whole life for this, he was the only guy who ever found her attractive. She couldn’t lose him now. As he turned away, she grabbed his arm, turning him back around.

“Wait! Let’s work something out. Please!”

Feeling like continuing with this would only lead to further heartbreak, he took his arm out of her grip and began leaving. Azlana chased after him and then stopped as he got farther away. She started to sob as he walked away, leaving her behind. “Goodbye, Azlana…” he thought to himself.

◆◆◆

It had not been long since Azlana’s break up with Derek. She sought out the consolation of her dear friend; someone that she trusted would never desert her. She and Mordecai were walking through the woods together in the afternoon. Azlana, still being upset about what had happened, barely said anything during their walk. “Hey, there’s some strawberry bushes over there. I know strawberries are your favorite. Would you like me to get you some?”

She didn’t answer. Mordecai looked over to see Azlana walking slowly towards a cliff. “Azlana?”

She then stood there, seeming to be watching something.

“Azlana, are you alright…?” he asked, feeling very concerned. He decided to go and see what she was staring at. The sound of laughter could be heard in the distance; It was Derek, in the field that he and Azlana were in when they broke up. But… he wasn’t alone.

“Would you care for a strawberry shortcake, Avalia?” Derek asked, handing the pastry to a girl with beautiful, purple curly hair, fair skin and a beautiful black dress. “Yes, please!” she said, taking the cake.

Azlana stared… She couldn’t believe that he’d move on so fast, it had barely been a month. Did she do something wrong? Was he already seeing her while they were together? Was she not pretty enough? Was Avalia prettier than her? Did he actually love her…? Her heart shattered further as her eyes grew dark with bitterness and despair. Tears started building up in her eyes.

They would’ve fallen and ran down her cheeks if Mordecai hadn't snapped her out of her trance. “Come on, Azlana… You don’t need to see this…” he said as he dragged her away. Derek looked up at the cliff, thinking he saw someone there, but ignored it and went back to enjoying his picnic with Avalia.

Later that night, Azlana laid in bed, remembering what she had seen. Her mind raced. Eventually it went blank and she laid there all night, drowning in a sea of numbness as the clock ticked…