It has been a while since we last talked, and we had parted on slightly disagreeable terms. Jane had packed her bags and tucked them neatly in one corner. I tried to stop her, but she kissed me farewell and moved out. The red and white strip marked cab parked outside on our worn-out pavement, its engine revving, waiting to carry her off.

Deep in my heart, 💖 I knew she had gone forever. She was the best companion I ever had. I watched the yellow-blackish weaverbirds constructing their grass-thatched nests on our bamboo stems we had planted ten years ago, which triggered warm memories. Why did I let her go?

Jane and I had had few fights, but we had mended fences, and moved on. Our love was the envy of our close friends. We were the most adorable couple after high school. For fourteen years, we had lived together, listened to the same music,...