"China? Why?" Shirley's voice trembled with surprise.
"I... we've got work to do over there," Jayden replied, his tone heavy with uncertainty.
"Do you really have to leave?" Shirley's eyes pleaded for a different answer.
"I guess so," Jayden's voice was tinged with resignation.
"When are you coming back?" Shirley's heart sank as she awaited his response.
"I don't know, but it could be as long as I've stayed in Nigeria," Jayden admitted reluctantly.
"A year!" Shirley's shock was palpable. "I was thinking you were ready for a relationship."
"I am ready, it's just... unexpected," Jayden struggled to find the right words.
"I can't... what kind of man does this on the first date?" Shirley fought back tears, her disappointment evident. "This isn't the kind of relationship I want."
Jayden's pride prevented him from begging her to stay. As Shirley turned to leave, he felt a pang of regret but couldn't bring himself to stop her.
Shirley's expectations clashed with Jayden's demeanor. She wanted him to pull her back, to convince her he wouldn't leave, but he didn't. As she walked away, she felt a mix of anger and hurt.
Jayden stood there, fists clenched, feeling the weight of his decision.
***
"You came back right on time, your mother phoned... Shirley, are you okay? What did that guy do to you?" Kate's concern was evident as she embraced Shirley.
"He hurt me!" Shirley cried into Kate's shoulder. "He's going back! He's broken my heart! He made me fall for him and then he just..."
Kate sighed, offering comfort to her distraught friend.
***
The next morning, Shirley's swollen eyes betrayed her sleepless night. Despite wearing sunglasses, she couldn't hide her pain.
"Dr. Shirley, what's with the glasses?" Dr. Joe inquired, noticing her unusual accessory.
"My eyes are swollen. I couldn't sleep," Shirley explained, her tone bitter.
"Why?" Dr. Joe's concern deepened.
"Because of an annoying being!" Shirley muttered, unable to contain her frustration.
As Shirley left, she caught a glimpse of Jayden and hastily retreated to her quarters. She was surprised to find him there.
"It's really swollen. You look... different," Jayden remarked, his apology lacking sincerity.
Shirley's anger flared. "Are you not the one who caused it? Wicked fellow!"
"I'm sorry. I came to apologize before I leave. And I want to ask you to wait for me. I'll be back for you. I don't want to lose you," Jayden's words were earnest this time.
Shirley hesitated, her heart torn between forgiveness and doubt. "There are lots of pretty girls in China. You might forget me."
"That's only if you don't accept my apologies," Jayden pleaded.
"Okay, I accept," Shirley relented, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes.
With a kiss on her forehead, Jayden promised to return. As he left, Shirley let out a mixture of emotions, unsure of what the future held.