The school park that afternoon felt so quiet, only the sound of the wind blowing through the leaves and the sound of their slightly panting breaths. Dean Wycliff sat on the swing, swinging it slowly, his eyes staring at Eloise Anette Chereena who was standing in front of him. Eloise's face that was usually cheerful and full of laughter now looked sad. On her shoulder was a large backpack filled with sketches and drawing equipment. Tomorrow, she would fly to Turkey.

"So, here's the thing," Dean began, his voice hoarse. "You're leaving tomorrow."

Eloise nodded slowly, her lips trembling from holding back tears. "Yes, Dean. It feels... weird."

Strange, yes. That's the right word. The two of them had spent so much time together in this park. From working on group assignments, arguing about favorite movies, to simply sharing stories about each other's dreams. This park had been a silent witness to their relationship journey like a star-crossed couple in high school.

"I still can't believe you were actually accepted into the Istanbul Design Academy," Dean said, trying to hide the sadness behind a tone of admiration. "It was your dream for a long time, and you made it come true." "You too," Eloise replied, looking at Dean with tears in her eyes. "Your ambitions in tech are just as big. I know you'll be great in America." "They were both dreams. But why did it feel so bittersweet when they had to let each other go? They were like two stars who had been side by side in the same sky for so long, and now had to part, heading for different orbits and distances. "This feels like a nightmare," Dean finally dared to say, his gaze wandering. "I don't want you to go." Eloise took a deep breath. "Neither do I, Dean. I'm going to miss you so much. Missing everything we've been through together." "I'll call you often," Dean tried to encourage her, though his voice was still shaking. "We'll stay in touch."

"Sure," Eloise smiled thinly, though her eyes were still teary. "And later, when I'm famous, you'll be proud to say that you're my Boyfriend, right?"

Dean chuckled bitterly. "Of course, I'll be your number one fan."

They were silent for a moment, enjoying the remaining time together. The wind blew harder, as if stealing the words they wanted to say. The separation felt so real and close, like a deep chasm ready to separate them forever.

Eloise reached for his hand and held it tightly. "Dean, thank you for everything we've been through. I'll never forget you."

Dean returned the grip, looking deeply into Eloise's eyes. "Me too, Eloise. You were my favorite girlfriend of my life. Don't ever forget that."

He swallowed and the crunch of gravel beneath his shoes broke the silence. "Eloise," he began, his voice hoarse, "I... I have something for you."

He turned, his gaze meeting hers. A small smile touched his lips, something fragile that made her heart ache. "Dean," she said softly, her voice echoing the soft murmur of the waves.

She held out the box. It wasn't fancy, just plain wood, but it was filled with something far more precious - memories. "I made this for you a while ago," she explained, "but I wasn't sure... I guess now would be a good time."

Eloise reached out, her fingers brushing his as she took the box. She ran her thumb over the lid, a puzzled expression on her face. She lifted the top, revealing a collection of tiny, intricately carved sea shells, each one unique, each made with love by Dean's steady hands.

Her breath caught in her throat. "Dean..." she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.

He swallowed again, trying to keep his cool. "I remember the first time we went shell-hunting on the beach together," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "You loved them, the way the light caught on them. I wanted to give you a piece of that, something to remind you… of us."

Eloise picked up a small nautilus, its spirals perfect. She ran her fingertips over its delicate lines, her gaze fixed on it as if it held the secrets of the universe. "They… they're beautiful," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

The tears that threatened to spill finally fell, tracing silver trails down her cheeks. Dean felt the same sting in his own eyes. He never wanted to see her cry, but he knew they were born of sadness and gratitude.

"Thank you, Dean," she said, her voice shaking. "Thank you for everything. For all the sunsets we shared, for the laughter, for… for this." She clutched the box tightly to her chest, her knuckles white.

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky shades of purple and gray, a poignant goodbye. Dean stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently wipe the tears from her cheek.

"This isn't goodbye," he said, his eyes meeting Eloise's. "It's just… see you later. I'll always be here, thinking of you."

Eloise nodded, unable to speak. An unspoken understanding hung in the air between them, a silent promise. She knew, with a certainty that warmed her heart even in the midst of her sadness, that Dean's love, like the unfading power of the ocean, would always be a constant in her life.

Tears finally spilled down their cheeks. They held each other tightly, trying to gather the last bit of warmth before they parted. In the quiet schoolyard, the goodbye felt so suffocating. Their dreams have come true, but with a deep sense of loss, like a nightmare that has truly come true. Tomorrow, they will begin a new chapter in their lives. However, the school garden, and the memories they shared, will remain a place they miss. A silent witness to the couple's eternal romance that is unfettered by distance.