1
Patrick and I had been in a relationship for five years. On the day of our fifth anniversary, which coincided with my birthday, he finally consented to travel overseas with me.
But when it was time to leave, he was nowhere to be found. I phoned him, and he explained that his father's chronic condition had worsened, preventing him from joining me. This left me, someone who had never succeeded in any English tests, to travel alone.
Later that day, I noticed a picture shared by his longtime friend Samuel, showing Patrick busy cooking in the kitchen.
[Real love means he'd do anything for me.]
I knew my friends were anticipating my reaction.
I responded directly to the post: [Why don't you two tie the knot?]
——
Patrick was well aware of my struggles with foreign languages.
At first, when he failed to show up, I didn't complain or question him, since his father's health issues were frequent. I even urged him to look after his father.