Mike's Heartbreak and Hope: A Tale of Love and Life

Mike was a young man in his twenties, battered by repeated heartbreaks and financial struggles. Despite his circumstances, he remained cheerful, even though everyday struggles were constant. His job as a cashier in a shopping mall barely covered his expenses.

Mike's landlady was an unpleasant daily routine, always shrieking and cursing. Additionally, his loud neighbors kept him awake most nights. As he walked through the narrow lane on his way to work, he saw a woman walking with her dog. Her eyes narrowed when the dog barked at a peddler, and Mike had a sudden desire to acquire his own dog.

He wondered where his life was going, feeling like a nobody. His job had made him slightly better off than others, and the only solace in his life was that he could stand on his own two feet. He was proud of it, but he wanted more from life.

"Total of $140, ma'am," said Mike, going through his usual routine.

"Here," said the old lady, handing him the cash.

Mike was typing up the receipt when he saw Marina, an old classmate, entering the store. She waved at him, and he was dumbfounded when he noticed how her looks had changed. When they were in school, she was the least noticeable woman, but now he felt like the whole world was surrounding her.

"Boy, the change," Mike muttered to himself.

"Ah, sorry, here," he said, shaking his head to snap out of his reverie.

Mike felt like he was falling in love again, but his previous relationships had taught him not to be attracted by initial feelings, for it would only lead to heartbreak. He wanted to remain cautious.

Sometimes in life, even if Mike wanted to be cautious, it wouldn't happen. Marina bought some daily necessities and reached for the checkout.

"Hey," she said, smiling.

"Hey," Mike said, smiling back.

There was a period of silence as they looked at each other.

"So, how's it going?" Marina asked.

"Everything's fine," Mike replied, not wanting to chat anymore.

"Shall we connect on Snapchat?" Marina asked, reaching for her phone.

"Yeah, sure," Mike said, not thinking too deeply about it. She was an old classmate, and connecting on social media was no big deal.

They started reminiscing about their time in school.

"Do you remember school Belle?" Marina asked.

"Yeah, what about her?" Mike asked.

"She's going through her second divorce now," Marina said, shaking her head.

"That's sad," Mike said, not wanting to delve any deeper into the topic.

"I don't want to get married," Marina said, changing the subject.

"It's your choice, haha," Mike said, disagreeing with her but not wanting to argue. He had a clear idea that something happening to others wouldn't necessarily happen to him. He didn't think it was necessary to correct her thoughts, and he let it slide.

Their relationship progressed successfully for five years, and they understood each other deeply.

"Will you marry me?" Mike asked, taking a deep breath.

There was a long period of silence, and Marina's answer was not what he expected.

"I'm sorry, Mike, I have no plans to get married and have kids," Marina said, looking away.

"Baby…" Mike tried to persuade her, but the result remained the same.

They broke up shortly after, and Mike was heartbroken again.

My personal opinion:He learned a valuable lesson, for different people it will be a different lesson

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