The boy’s name was Robert. Though only a sophomore, he had taken notice of lovely Jane, a junior with flowing brown hair and the brightest smile he had ever seen. Like many a lovesick lad before him, he watched her from afar, dreaming of speaking to her one day.
His chance finally came when the two of them ended up working on separate projects in the library at the same time. Robert’s heart began to pound as he gathered his courage. Jane looked up with a smile as he approached.
“Hi, I’m Robert. I was wondering if I could speak with you for a moment.”
“Sure,” she said brightly.
Robert licked his lips nervously. “I know we don’t know each other well but I think you seem wonderful. I was hoping we could get to know each other better someday. Maybe get a cup of coffee?”
Jane’s smile faded slightly. “Oh. That’s very kind of you…” she began in a neutral tone.
Robert felt his heart sinking at an incredible speed and quickly caught up with the Titanic. Before she could let him down gently, he murmured an awkward “never mind” and rushed away, cheeks burning with embarrassment.
As he fled the library, Robert vowed to himself never to make such a fool of himself again. But part of him held onto that memory of Jane’s enchanting smile, wondering ‘What if?"
Ah, the follies of youth to be so bold, and yet so fragile.
The next day, Robert avoided the library like the plague, unwilling to face Jane after his humiliation. Yet a small part of him still held out hope that she might seek him out, that there had been some misunderstanding.
A week passed with no word, flat and bland, Robert had almost convinced himself to forget the whole thing. Then one afternoon, as he was leaving class, a familiar voice called his name.
He turned to see Jane hurrying up to him, a bashful smile on her lovely face. “Robert, hi,” she said. “I’m sorry I didn’t respond very well the other day. I was caught off guard.”
Robert’s heart leapt. “It’s okay,” he stammered. “I understand.”
“The truth is, I think you seem really sweet,” Jane continued, twisting a lock of hair nervously. “And I’d love to get coffee, if you’d still like to.”
Robert couldn’t believe his ears. He beamed at her. “Really? That would be wonderful.”
They agreed to meet the next afternoon at a nearby cafe. As they parted ways, Robert practically floated to his next class in a daze.
It seemed there truly were happy endings, after all - if only one had the courage to begin the story.
The coffee date went splendidly. Jane was just as charming and witty as Robert had imagined, and she seemed to genuinely enjoy Robert’s company. They whiled away the afternoon in easy conversation, only regretfully parting ways when the cafe was preparing to close.
Still in a state of pleasant disbelief, Robert walked Jane back to her dorm. As they reached her door, Jane paused and took both of Robert’s hands in hers. “I had a really great time today,” she said softly. Robert, overcome by her proximity and touch, could merely nod in agreement.
Jane smiled at his flustered state. “Would you like to do this again sometime?” she asked. Robert found his voice. “More than anything,” he said earnestly.
Jane grinned. “Good.” And with that, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him sweetly.
Robert’s eyes widened in surprise and delight as he kissed her back. When they parted, he gazed at Jane in wonder. She laughed. “You’re very cute when you’re surprised,” she said.
And so our young hero’s story continues, from timid beginnings to moments of joy and wonder. Such is the journey of love, with all its heartbeats, surprises and second chances.
Let us wish Robert and Jane well on their path, and revel in the simple joys their romance brings to this world.
It had been the happiest month of Robert’s life. He and Jane were nearly inseparable, their bond deepening with each date and stolen kiss. He dared to imagine a future with this funny, kind and clever girl.
Then came Jane’s message, crushing Robert’s dreams in an instant. He felt used, misled by the whirlwind start to their romance. The library confession and coffee date now seemed a lifetime ago.
In his anguish, Robert was tempted to beg Jane to reconsider. But then he remembered her carefree smile, and knew in his heart she spoke the truth. Jane had needs of her own, and wasn’t ready for what Robert hoped for.
With time, Robert’s broken heart will mend. He’ll leave his sophomore self behind and grow into the man he’s meant to be. Jane’s role in his life story was to teach him to open his heart, risk love freely — and let go with grace when the time comes.
Though their romance ends here, Robert carries a gift from Jane — the joyful memory of new love, and wisdom that love must come when two hearts are truly ready. There are other stories waiting to be written, and other loves to be found.
For now, Robert picks up the scattered pieces of his young heart and carries on, a little wiser, a little sadder, and somehow a little more alive. Such is the alchemy of love — even in goodbye, it reminds us how to hope again.
My boy Robert’s young heart is broken once more it seems. But this time, there is wisdom to be found in pain.
