It's a lovely morning, and I'm busy preparing what to wear tonight—because it's our 1-year anniversary. I met my boyfriend back in college. He was a popular med student from a family of doctors. We never really talked back then—he was my senior.
But somehow, I got lucky.
During my internship, I was assigned to the hospital his family owns. After graduation, I got hired there as a full-time nurse. We started getting closer through his sister, Mila, who became my partner in caring for one of our long-term patients. Mila would occasionally invite me over for dinner at their house, and that's how I got close to her brother—Mark
My boyfriend.
At first, I was hesitant to entertain him because of what happened to my parents, but he made me feel that I didn't need to be afraid to trust him. And since his sister—whom I already trusted—was also my friend, that helped a lot. Eventually, I decided to trust him, and I fell in love with him.
(It's 8:00 PM and my shift just ended, I pull out my phone and call him, smiling to myself.)
Phone ringing: "Ring… ring…"
Zayra: Hello, babe! Ready to go?
Mark: Hey, babe. Sorry, I'm still busy. I'll be home late. You go ahead without me.
Zayra: Oh really? What time will you be done?
Mark: I'm not sure yet. That's why it's better if you just go ahead.
Zayra: Alright, take care, okay? Bye. Love you!
Mark: You too. Take care. Bye. (Call ends)
Zayra (POV): Huh? Maybe he's just really busy. Our reservation isn't until 10 p.m. anyway… or maybe… he's planning a surprise? (blushes)
I head home, excited, and change into a lovely light purple, wavy, knee-high dress. I've been looking forward to this night. Mark makes me feel truly loved, even if our schedules don't always allow for dates. He finds little ways to remind me I matter.
Or so I thought.
Later that night….
I'm at the restaurant where we were supposed to have dinner. The table's been waiting—just like me.
One-hour passes. Then two. Then three.
The restaurant announces closing time.
He never showed up.
He didn't answer any of my messages. Or my calls. I start to worry—What if something happened? I call his parents. I call Mila. None of them know where he is.
So, I drive to the hospital. Maybe he's still in his office.
And that's when I saw him... doing it with another nurse.
Half-dressed. Entangled. Laughing—until they see me.
I stand frozen at the office doorway, my chest tightening. I can't believe what I'm seeing—Mark, the man I was supposed to celebrate our one-year anniversary with tonight, tangled up with another woman.
Zayra (shaking): "Mark?"
He looks up, eyes wide. Guilt. Panic. Silence. The nurse quickly pulls away, adjusting her uniform. Mark stumbles for words.
Mark: "Zayra—wait, I can explain."
Zayra (slaps him): "Explain? It's our anniversary, Mark. I waited three hours at the restaurant while you were here doing this?"
Her voice cracks, but she stands her ground.
Mark: "It... it just happened. I didn't mean to—"
Zayra (cutting him off): "Don't insult me. You choose to lie, ignore my calls, and throw away everything we had—for this?"
Tears form in her eyes, but she doesn't let them fall.
Zayra (coldly): "We're done. Don't ever call me again."
She turns and walks out, heels clicking with every step—a sound louder than any slap could be. Her chest aches—but oddly, there's clarity in her steps. She gave him love, loyalty, trust … and he gave her betrayal.
She stands alone beneath the dark sky, breathing deeply. One tear rolls down her cheek, then another—but no sobs. Not tonight.