It was her last day at work as a second-year resident at NorthStar Hospital and the day when Florence's long-term boyfriend chose to break up with her. Oscar had called her after her shift ended at 6 pm, she had to work overtime for two hours because of a surgery.
“Hey Flo, let’s meet up at Late Latte.” She had gotten the text from him as she was changing.
“Sure. I just got off, i’ll be there in 15.” She texted back. They hadn’t had a proper date in a week. It was mostly because of her working overtime as it was the last week before the residents went on break, and she was always exhausted when she reached the apartment they shared.
Oscar was always supportive of her, he also had gotten a promotion and was busy with work, but he never made her feel bad about it.
Putting her hair in a bun, Florence hurried to the basement where her car was parked.
“Where are you off to in a hurry?” her fellow resident and friend, Olivia asked.
“Date night.” Florence smiled as she opened the door.
“God, I hate you.” Olivia groaned.
Florence had met Oscar when she was visiting her mother in Italy. He had just started his job and was on a business trip. That was 4 years ago, their 4 year anniversary was coming up. Florence wondered if she could plan a trip to Italy to surprise him, her mother liked Oscar, and they both loved the night life there. When she got out of her car, Oscar was sitting outside, on the white chairs, he raised his arm and she waved.
“Hey,” she gave him a kiss, and sat down. “What did you order?”
“Uh-nothing,” he said, looking at her with a straight face, and Florence realized he hadn’t smiled.
“Did something happen at work?” she asked, holding his hand.
“Are you feeling stressed? Today was my last day, and now im all yours.” she grinned, imagining his surprised face once she revealed her plans.
“Look Flo,” Oscar politely slipped his hand away from hers. “We both have demanding jobs.” He looked at her. “And i think- i-”
Florence knew what he was going to say, so she cut him off.
“Please don’t finish that sentence.” She whispered, “Oscar, we have been going strong for 4 years now, babe. I’m free now, i promise I’ll make up for everything that we have missed, all the dates.”
“Flo please.” He sighed and leaned in. “your’e free now. What about in four weeks? You’ll be back in the same routine, and i don’t hate that, i am proud of everything that you are achieving, but-” he stopped and looked down.
“But what.” Florence had slumped back in her chair, the sapphire necklace felt heavy suddenly.
“But i don’t think i want this to be my future.” When Florence did not say anything,
He continued. “I am sorry about the timing, i just thought you should know before you start...........planning something.”
Florence thought long, maybe he was right, maybe it was also best for her to let him go. After all, did she really want a relationship where they both pretend to be strangers? She looked back at their life when they first moved in the apartment.
It was big, as she had poured in the gift money her mother had given her for graduation.
The only time Oscar and her saw each other was when they woke up for breakfast and went back to sleep. She realized that her residency and his job had also left their relationship to be sexless. When was the last time we had sex? She thought, but couldn’t answer her own question.
Oscar stood up to leave, but Florence grabbed his hand,he turned back to look at her. “Thankyou.” She croaked and smiled,
“For what.'' Florence realized she was still grabbing his hand, so she let go and stood up facing him.
“For not promising anything.” and she meant it,
Whatever Oscar promised he fulfilled it, and she was glad that he did not promise her a future that she was so desperately wishing for. He nodded and hugged her. They stood there for a while, listening to the traffic and the people laughing around. Then, Florence took in his scent, and he kissed her forehead for the last time.
“I’ll send James for my things, I’m sorry Flo, I really am.” He whispered, and with a heavy sigh he let go of her.