"We have to talk," Stephanie speaks up, clearing her throat, knowing she won't find a better time to do this than now. She has put off this conversation too many times, and it’s not fair to either of you. You're both on the couch, no longer paying attention to the show, so she reaches for the remote and turns it off, angling her body toward you.

The look on your face is pure panic, and Steph can't blame you. The words "we have to talk" are terrifying, especially when said so seriously. Instinctively, you reach for her hand, but Stephanie pulls away. It's better to just rip off the Band-Aid and face the harsh truth. Your relationship has run its course.

It feels surreal even to think that, but it's true. She ran from the truth for months, thinking she could fall back in love with you and reignite the spark you once had. But despite how much she tried, the relationship just didn't feel the same. "I've given this a lot of thought. This isn't a decision I'm making lightly," Stephanie starts with a shaky voice, unable to meet your eyes—not when you look on the verge of crying.

"I know you're probably confused, but it's been coming for a long time." She swallows hard and finally meets your gaze. "I want to break up." The moment she utters those words, she feels lighter, like a burden has been lifted from her shoulders. Finally, she can tell you exactly how she feels.

But how happy can she really be after breaking the heart of someone she once thought she'd end up with? Maybe she should have talked to you earlier. Maybe you would have given her space or done something to avoid this outcome. But what's done is done.