SEC-S30W1: Anecdotes that teach: (Left at the Table)

A good day turned out to be a sad day for my boyfriend and me as we went out on a date. The sun was shining so bright that afternoon, almost shining in my eyes. It was a kind that exposes everything, even the securities people try to hide from it.

I had worn my simple orange top because my boyfriend once told me the cloth made me glow. I am someone who doesn't like too much makeup, and I prefer my natural look than artificial look. Before going out my boyfriend said to me. "You're beautiful like this", I smiled and embraced him with a warm hug.

My boyfriend and I had both planned to date for weeks. We went to the best place in the town that has a quiet garden cafe, meat walkway, and soft sunlight spilling over everything in the place. Our date was meant to be peaceful a break from work, and the small argument that we had at the beginning of our relationship.

At first, everything felt normal for us.

While at the place we both sat outside laughing about our old memories. Then a former classmate of mine Chidi walked past and recognised me.

"Chidi? Wow, it's been long and how are you doing"

I smiled politely. "Chidi, then said to me it has o".

I touched my boyfriend and gave him a sign not to get angry before I then asked Chidi where are you working now? Abuja I hope life is treating you well over there?

But my boyfriend's face changed.

His smile faded. Look became sad. He immediately stopped eating. His shoulder tightened and he started acting strange.

Immediately I noticed his mood. I said "Babe, it's just my old classmate."

He didn't respond to me. He only nodded his head, but I noticed his silence was louder than any argument. My conversation with Chidi lasted for only 5 minutes. When I noticed how unhappy my boyfriend was, I excused myself and returned my full attention to him.

But there was nothing I could do, because jealousy had already, settled in his heart.

He boldly told me; "Your classmate and you're smiling like that for him?" He muttered.

I blinked my eyes in confusion. "What do you mean? I was just being polite."

He said to me, "It's a lie, you looked too happy".

His words stung in me. Not because they were loud to my hearing but because they were unfair to me.

I asked him softly. "Do you mean I can't even greet someone again?".

He stood up. "Enjoy your date," he said and walked away.

I remained seated, because I didn't want people around to know what had happened, the same sunlight now feeling harsh against my skin. At the table, I was everything felt still for me.

I replayed the moment in my heart. Yet I was still the one sitting alone.

On that day, I realised something important jealousy is not proof of love. It is proof of fear. And I also, realised love that is built on fear will always find a reason to walk away.

Later in the evening my boyfriend sent a message to me. "I'm so sorry. I overreacted". But something had shifted in me. Because when the person you love, leaves you over a harmless conversation, they are not protecting the relationship instead they are projecting their insecurity onto it.

At that moment, I learned that love should feel safer. It should not feel like we are walking on eggshells. The garden became quiet again and I wasn't sad anymore I became happy after seeing his message.

I am inviting: @saintkelvin17, @moyeon, and @wuddi
Cc: @marvinvelasquez