"I'm sorry," Darien muttered, his voice dissolving in the silence that has been covering us for quite a while. 

I'm sorry. 

That wasn't what I hoped for him to say on our anniversary, but he didn't need to continue for me to know he didn't love me anymore. I wasn't surprised. He was changing. Gradually, his presence felt foreign. His honey-colored eyes that once screamed love seemed empty. And every time I look at them, I would see a glimpse of our ending. An ending that would always break my heart into pieces.

At times I was wrapped around his arms, it wasn't the same as before. I couldn't find the comfort and warmth in his touch. I wasn't at home. The Darien I knew was gone.

Paano ako magpapahinga kung ang pahinga ko'y pagod na? 

At first, I was torn about what I should save: myself or our relationship. We were hanging on a thin thread, and Darien chose to let go. I wasn't ready for him to leave so I had to bear the weight while holding on by myself.

But as he said that, my answer became clear. I still love him, but just as how he grew tired, I was too.

Kahit ipilit kong ipaglaban ang aming relayson, kung hindi ko pipiliin ang aking sarili'y mas lalo lang akong masusugatan. 

After exchanging our goodbyes, I walked away without sparing him another glance. I didn't blame him for letting go. For choosing himself. Maybe it was for the better. Maybe this was what our fate was supposed to look like.

Sabi nga nila, mahirap labanan ang tadhana.

It took us 5 months to fall in love, blossoming into 11 years of being together.

But only 2 words and 1 day to end it all.