Another separation today—my work seems to be characterized by them these days. At least it went well.
Jacob could tell as soon as Anna opened the door for him that something was wrong. He sighed as he sat down on the couch. “Why do I get the feeling that this is not good news?”
She settled down next to him and took his hand. “Jacob, I’m sorry,” she said, which I felt was a good place to start. “I just think—I know you’ve wanted to move forward with us, but I don’t…I’m just not feeling it.”
He nodded, his mouth twisted up in resignation. Taking a breath, he asked, “I’m okay with that, but I have to ask—does this have anything to do with Rob?”
Anna opened her mouth to protest, but I brushed my wingtip across her cheek. “Don’t lie to him,” I said. “You owe him better than that.”
So she sighed. “It’s not that I want to be with him,” she explained. “I was right to break it off with him. But…when I was with him, I felt a connection, and it was so strong and vibrant…”
“And you don’t feel that with me,” Jacob finished when she did not.
Anna looked up at him. “Do you?” she asked, worried in case he might say yes.
He smiled. “Honestly? No, not really. I think I could in time, but now—no. You’re a wonderful woman, Anna, but—”
“No fireworks,” she supplied, relieved. “Right?” She looked down at their hands, still folded together. “I appreciate the common ground and beliefs that we share, Jacob, and I need to build my future on that, but—I have to believe that’s there’s someone out there I can have both with.”
For a moment, Jacob wanted to protest that he could be that someone, but I set my hand on his shoulder. “She is out there for you, too,” I assured him. “It is no fault in you that this did not work—just the wrong time and the wrong person.”
So he leaned forward and kissed Anna on the cheek. “Thanks for being honest with me,” he said. “I’ll pray that you find what you’re looking for.”
That simple promise washed Anna with comfort. She squeezed his hand. “And I’ll do the same for you.”
They parted friends with minimal awkwardness, though I doubt they will speak to one another for some time. Rejection is never an easy thing to accept. Even Anna, who made the decision, will be sad about it for a while. But she will not be alone for long. I will help her to find the one she hopes for, and with my help she will build a love that is both deep and wide.