A Valentine's Farewell

Toby had always loved Valentine’s Day, especially when it was shared with Lily. Their tradition was simple: a quiet dinner, a bouquet of roses, and a promise of forever. But this year, it was just him.

Sitting alone at their favorite restaurant, Toby’s fingers traced the rim of his wine glass. He remembered the last Valentine’s they’d spent together—how Lily’s eyes had sparkled when she opened her gift, how they’d danced under the stars. He’d believed in forever. He still did.

Three months ago, Lily had packed her bags and left without a word, just a note: “I need to find myself.” No explanation, no closure. She hadn’t replied to his calls or messages. Every day since, Toby had felt like a piece of himself was missing.

Tonight, he’d hoped—foolishly—that she might return. Maybe she’d realize she made a mistake. But as the minutes turned into hours, it became clear she wasn’t coming. The empty chair across from him felt like a weight in his chest.

As he stood to leave, the waiter handed him a small velvet box. “This was left for you earlier.” Toby opened it, and inside was a single rose—the same kind Lily had always given him. His hands shook as he closed the box, the familiar scent of the rose mingling with the ache in his heart.

Stepping out into the cold, Toby clutched the rose tightly in his hand. He didn’t know how to move on, how to let go of the life they had shared. But as he walked into the dark night, the silence around him felt like a hundred unspoken words.

Some love stories weren’t meant to last. Some hearts were meant to break.

Valentine’s Day would never be the same again.

Created by Erica Latasha