The sea stretched endlessly before them, it’s waves crashing against the rocks, as if mourning the farewell about to take place.

You stood with your arms wrapped around yourself, trying to keep the chill at bay, though you knew it wasn’t the wind that made your body tremble and shiver.

“I have to go,” Yusuf spoke softly, trying his best to keep his emotions at bay and holding strong for the both of them. “But i’ll come back for you. No matter how long it takes.”

You nodded, fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall. “I’ll wait.” You whispered softly. “Every night, i’ll light a lantern by the shore. When you return, you’ll see it and know i’m still here.”

Yusuf pressed a lingering kiss to your forehead before turning and stepping onto the ship. As the sails unfurled and the vessel drifted into the horizon, you stood frozen, watching until he disappeared from view.

The years went by like a blur but you had kept your promise. Every evening, you placed a lantern on the shore, it’s soft glow a beacon of your devotion. You imagined the day he’d return, running to you with the same love in his eyes.

But time moved slow for those who stayed behind. At first, the loneliness was bearable, then suffocating, then finally… distant. Life didn’t wait, and neither could you. The lantern still burned, but your heart found comfort in another.

And then, one night, Yusuf returned.

He stood at the edge of the shore, the years etched into his face, his heart leaping at the sight of the glowing lantern. But when he stepped forward, he saw you, standing beside another man.

You saw him too. Your breath caught, and for a moment, the years melted away.

“You kept the lantern lit.” He spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.

A silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words, with love that had existed once but no longer belonged to the present.

“I’m glad you found happiness. I hope we meet again somewhere..” He spoke again, his fist clenched by his side and his voice trembling with emotion.