The days passed, and David and Hannah grew closer. Their laughter filled the quiet corners of the village. Every glance, every touch, every small moment together deepened the bond between them. They were no longer just friends; they were lovers, sharing secret smiles and gentle touches, discovering a love that felt both new and strong.
But the shadow of time hung over them. David would leave in just one month, and the thought made Hannah's heart ache. She tried to enjoy every moment, but the clock in her mind ticked loudly, reminding her of the coming separation.
One afternoon, they sat together by the river, watching the water flow gently over the stones. David took Hannah's hand in his, his thumb stroking hers softly.
"Hannah…" he began, his voice quiet but serious, "I know we don't have much time left. Just one month. But I want you to know… every moment with you has been the best of my life."
Hannah looked into his eyes, tears threatening to fall. "David… I don't want you to go. I can't imagine these days ending."
David pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her. "I know… I feel the same. But we can't control time. All I can promise is to make every day, every hour, every minute count while I'm here. And when I leave… I'll come back to you, Hannah. I swear."
Hannah rested her head on his shoulder, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It was comforting, but also a reminder that the end of the project was near.
"I will cherish every moment with you," she whispered. "But the thought of losing you already hurts."
David kissed her forehead gently. "Then let's not think about leaving yet. Let's just be here, together, for now."
For the next few weeks, they spent almost every moment together. They walked through the village, laughed under the sun, and shared stories by the fire at night. Every day was precious, every smile a treasure. Yet in the back of their minds, the coming separation waited like a shadow neither wanted to face.
Days kept going and finally, only three days remained before David would have to leave. Hannah's heart felt heavy, and every morning she woke with a lump in her throat. She tried to keep busy with chores and small tasks, but nothing could chase away the sadness that lingered in her chest.
The thought of losing him so soon made her feel both lonely and anxious. Every laugh they had shared, every gentle touch, seemed too precious to let go. She often sat by her small fire, staring into the flickering flames, thinking of the moments they had spent together.
That evening, as the sun dipped behind the trees, she heard footsteps approaching. Her heart skipped a beat.
"Hannah…" David called softly.
She looked up, surprised and relieved. He was standing at the edge of her hut, his eyes full of warmth. "David…" she whispered, almost unable to speak.
He walked inside slowly, careful not to startle her. "I couldn't stay away," he said. "I had to see you before… before the project ends. I wanted to be here with you."
Hannah's eyes filled with tears. "I've been so sad, David… I don't know how I'll bear it when you leave."
David knelt beside her, taking both her hands in his. "Hannah… I know these last three days feel too short. But I want you to know that every moment with you is more than I could ever hope for. I will treasure them, and I will never forget you. No distance, no time, can change what I feel for you."
Hannah rested her head against his shoulder, tears flowing freely now. "I'm scared… scared to lose you," she whispered.
David hugged her tightly. "I know, Hannah. And I'm scared too. But for now, let's forget about the leaving. Let's just be here, together, for these three days."
As the evening grew darker, David gently pulled a small card from his pocket and handed it to Hannah.
"Hannah," he said softly, "I want you to have this. It's my business card, with my working place address and phone number. If you ever need me, or just want to write, you can reach me anytime."
Hannah stared at the card, her hands trembling. She had never held anything like this before. The neat letters on the card, the promise it carried—they made her heart beat faster.
"David… I… I don't know what to say," she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"You don't have to say anything," he replied, taking her hands gently in his. "Just remember this: I am serious about you, Hannah. I won't forget you. And when I leave, you can always reach me. No distance can change that."
Hannah nodded, clutching the card as if it were the most precious thing in the world. "I will… I promise I will write," she said softly, her voice filled with hope and fear all at once.
David smiled, brushing a stray hair from her face. "That's all I ask. And until we meet again, Hannah… I will carry you in my heart."
She looked up at him, her eyes glistening. For a moment, the sadness of the coming separation faded, replaced by the warmth of his promise. Even though only three days remained, this small card gave her a sense of security she hadn't felt in years.
For the rest of the evening, they stayed close, talking, laughing softly, and holding onto each other. Every moment was precious, each second a reminder of the love they had found. Yet, in the back of their minds, the reality of the coming separation lingered like a quiet shadow, reminding them how fleeting their happiness truly was.