The silence that followed their argument stretched for days.
Diego hadn't reached out, and Diane hadn't called. The usual texts, the occasional voice notes, the random memes — they all stopped. It was like something invisible had snapped between them, leaving only the ache of what was once there.
At first, Diego old himself it was for the best. Maybe he needed the space. Maybe she did too. He buried himself in work, scheduled back-to-back meetings, and threw himself into late nights at the office. But even in the noise of the boardroom, her words kept replaying in his mind:
"You don't have to carry this alone."
He hated how they lingered in his mind . He hated how her voice, soft and patient, found its way into the quiet moments of his day. And most of all, he hated the guilt. Not just the guilt about his friends — but now, about Diane too. Meanwhile, Diane was struggling in her own way.
She hadn't expected the conversation to end like that. She knew Marcus was carrying a lot. But still, his words had hurt. Deeply. She had opened up a vulnerable part of herself — her faith, her peace — and he had pushed it away like it was nothing. And yet… she couldn't stop caring about him. She wanted to give him space, to respect his decision, but every day she didn't hear from him felt like another wall being built between them.
When they finally saw each other again — at a mutual friend's event neither could avoid — the air between them was different. He smiled politely. She greeted him kindly. But it wasn't the same. The closeness was gone. They made small talk. They laughed a little. But it felt forced. Surface-level. Like two people trying to act like they hadn't just broken something delicate.Later that night, Diane sat in her car, gripping the steering wheel, staring at nothing. A quiet prayer slipped from her lips.
"God… I don't know what to do. He's hurting, and I just… I don't know if I can reach him anymore. I need him to hear your word and feel your warmth in his life. "
Back in his apartment, Diego poured himself a drink, stared out at the city lights, and sighed.
"She was right.". But he wasn't ready to admit it — not yet.
It was a quiet evening. Diego sat with Diane on the porch of her small apartment. The day had been long, and his heart felt heavy. He'd been struggling with so much — the guilt, the pain, the things he couldn't fix. Diane sat next to him, calm and steady, as she always was. She didn't try to fix him or push him; she just was there.
"Why do you trust God so much?" Diego asked, his voice soft but full of confusion.
Diane turned to him and smiled gently. "Because I know what He's done for me. I've felt His peace, His forgiveness. He healed my heart, and He can do the same for you."
Diego shook his head. "But I've made too many mistakes, Diane. I've hurt people. How could He forgive someone like me?"
Diane reached out and held his hand. "It's not about being perfect, Diego. It's about letting go of the pain and the guilt. God will take all of it — and in return, He gives you peace. Real peace."
Her words hit him deep. He'd been carrying so much weight for so long. The thought of letting go seemed impossible, but something about Diane's presence made it feel like maybe it was possible after all."I don't know if I can do it," he said quietly.
Diane smiled. "You don't have to do it alone. We can walk through this together."
Diego took a deep breath, feeling tears welling up . He'd been running for so long, trying to fix things himself. But in this moment, with Diane by his side, he realized he didn't have to anymore.
"I'm ready," he whispered in tears.
Diane's smile grew, and she took his hand in hers, and prayed with him. Her words were simple, but filled with everything he needed to hear: "Lord, I'm here. Take my guilt, my pain. I trust in You. I want to follow You. I accept you and I choose you today to be my Lord and personal savior."
And in that moment, Diego felt something change inside him. The weight of all his struggles seemed to lift, just a little. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he didn't have to carry it all on his own anymore.
After that night, things slowly began to change for Diego. It wasn't immediate, but he felt different. The heavy guilt that had followed him for so long didn't feel as overwhelming anymore. He was still uncertain about the future, but he knew one thing for sure — he wasn't alone. Diane was always there, gently guiding him. She didn't rush him or ask for more than he was ready for. They prayed together, talked about their struggles, and she always made sure he knew he wasn't on this journey by himself. She was his support.
In the days that followed, Diego began praying on his own, reading the Bible a little each day. It wasn't easy. Most times, he didn't even understand what he read but he felt a new sense of peace, even in the small steps.
One evening, he called Diane after work. "I read something today," he said, "It was from Matthew — 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' I think I finally understand what that means."
Diane smiled. "You're getting it, Diego. It's not about having everything figured out. It's about trusting that God has you, even when life is tough."
"I'm trying," he replied. "But it's hard. I'm not used to letting go of control."
"I know," she said. "And that's okay. It takes time. But every little step counts."
Diego knew the road ahead wouldn't always be easy. His past still lingered but he was determined to be better. One evening, he found himself at a meeting with old coworkers, people who didn't share his faith. As they talked, he realized how different he felt now — how he didn't want to be pulled back into old patterns. It was a challenge to stay true to what he now believed.But even then, he remembered Diane's words: "One step at a time."
And so, he kept walking, knowing that he didn't have to be perfect. He just had to believe. His mother was happy for his spiritual growth and completely fell in love with Diane.
*****
The hospital room felt too quiet. The kind of silence that felt heavy. Diego stepped inside slowly. Diane was lying on the bed, her skin pale, a scarf wrapped gently around her head. But her eyes—those kind eyes—still lit up when she saw him. She had told him that she was travelling a month back but then he got a call from his mother to come over to the hospital because there was something he needed to know. Diane was sick.
"Hey," Diane said softly.
He walked to her side, trying to stay calm, but nothing could have prepared him for this. She looked fragile. Not the strong, laughing Diane he remembered.
"You didn't tell me it was this bad," he whispered.
She smiled faintly. "I didn't want to worry you."
"Stage four?" he asked, voice tight. "How long have you known?"
"About a month," she replied gently. "It moved fast. I didn't know how to say it. I still don't."
He sat down, holding her hand. "You should've told me."
"I didn't want this to be another weight for you. You've been through enough, Diego. "
He blinked rapidly, fighting tears. "You were there for me. Through everything. And now this…"
Diane squeezed his hand. "I'm not afraid. Whether I get healed or not, I still trust God. He's given me peace."
Diego lowered his head. "But I just started finding peace. I just started believing. And now I feel like I'm losing the person who helped me get here."
"You're not losing me," she said. "No matter what happens, I'll always be here. "
The next few weeks were hard. Diane started treatment, but her strength faded with time. Diego visited every day, even when all they did was sit in silence. Sometimes they read the Bible together. Sometimes they cried. Sometimes they laughed about old memories.
There were moments Diego would pray with her, even when the words didn't come out right. But Diane never minded. She'd smile and whisper, "He hears you."
" Remember that night you wanted to make us dinner?", Diane asked staring at Diego.
"Of course I remember that night."
"You're such a bad cook.", she teased.
"I guessed I've lost my touch. I used to be really great in my youth."
"Saying that to feel better right?", she laughed.
"Even still, I don't regret sharing that embarrassing moment with you."
"I also don't regret any moment I've ever shared with you."
He pulled her closer and she rested on his chest.
"I find peace in you", he said.
She giggled. "I love you so so much."
"There are days when I wonder if I can see you go through all this."
"Diego."
"The way I love you, I don't think I can live without you Diane."
A tear slipped from the corner of her eyes.
"I trust him Diego."
"I do too."
She squeezed his hand gently.
One day, Diego brought her a small journal.
"I want to write down everything you've taught me," he said. "So I don't forget."
Diane touched the cover. "Alright then."
And she wrote in it. Pages filled with notes of faith, hope, and love.
One night, Diego sat alone in the hospital's quiet chapel. He stared at the cross, his fists clenched.
"Why her?" he asked. "Why now? She's the best person I know.", a tear ran down his face.
And then he remembered Diane's words: "Whether He heals me or not… I trust Him."
That night, Diego didn't pray for healing. He prayed for peace. For strength. For time.
Diane's body grew weaker, but her spirit stayed strong. One afternoon, she looked at Diego and said, "Promise me something."
"Anything."
"Live. Really live. Love again. Forgive yourself. And stay with God, even when it hurts."
Diego nodded, tears in his eyes. "I promise."
Diane insisted on going home and Ellen promised the doctors that she would keep her safe. At night, while they were asleep, she coughed a bit and she noticed blood all over the sheets. She turned gently and tapped Diego. He stirred sleepily before finally opening his eyes.
"Are you alright?", she asked.
"I need..help."
He quickly jumped up and saw blood on the sheets.
"Oh God!", he exclaimed. "What do I do!"
"Get mum."
He ran out of the room and returned after a while with his mother. Diane was unconscious by the time they got back.
"Diane", he called out tapping her face. "What's wrong mum!", tears had already filled his eyes.
His mother quickly checked her pulse.
"We need to get her to the hospital. Now!", she screamed.
Diego carried her into his arms and they rushed out.
They didn't know how much time was left. But every moment became precious. And even though Diego knew the ending might come with pain, he also knew that Diane had shown him what it meant to have real faith in God even when it hurts.
"You scared me back there.", he said taking hold of her hand.
"I'm sorry.", she whispered.
"It's fine, I just want you to be fine."
"He doesn't make me feel the pain."
"It doesn't hurt?", he asked.
"Not at all.", a smile crept into her face.
"I really love you Diane."
"I love you more than you can imagine."
He embraced her and planted a kiss on her forehead.
Some days later, Diego was beside Diane and she was asleep. Suddenly, she jerked. He jumped up and sat beside her.
"Are you alright?", he asked.
She looked around then laid back. Her breathing came in short quick gasps.
"Should I get the doctor?", he asked.
"No", she took hold of his hand. "Stay with me."
He sat down and she didn't let go of his hand.
"Can you get the Bible?", she asked.
He picked the Bible from the table and placed it on his laps.
"Please read to me Psalm 23:1-4."
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
She smiled." Open Thomas 8:38-39."
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
She nodded and squeezed his hand gently." Philippians 1:21."
" For to me to live is Christ, to die is gain. "
" Read to me Um...Matthew 11:28-30. "
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
"Psalm 73:26", she said weakly.
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
"Lastly, read to me 2 Timothy 4:7-8
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day.", he said in tears.
She smiled, squeezed his hand warmly and took her last breath.