LOVE’S ECHO

The spreadsheet on Maya's screen blurred, her gaze drawn towards the window. Outside, the world was a canvas of vibrant hues – bright blue sky, lush green trees, bursts of sunlight painting the playground where children squealed with delight. A gentle breeze carried the sweet melody of birdsong. It was, objectively, a perfect summer day.

Yet, a strange dissonance resonated within Maya. On the surface, her life was in order: fulfilling job, comfortable apartment, the warm companionship of friends. All the pieces were in place, but an emptiness lingered, a hollowness that mocked the cheerful backdrop.

It hit her then, a wave of bittersweet recognition. She missed him. The memory of his laughter, the warmth of his hand in hers, the way his eyes sparkled when he talked about something he loved – these were the brushstrokes that colored her world with meaning.

A smile bloomed on her face as she recalled a shared inside joke, a clumsy attempt at making her favorite dish, a rainy afternoon spent debating the finer points of cheesy rom-coms. The hollowness didn't vanish, but its edges softened.

Love, Maya knew, was the missing puzzle piece, the element that transformed a collection of fulfilling moments into a truly beautiful life. It wasn't about constant presence, but about the invisible thread that connected them, a warmth that shimmered just below the surface of even ordinary days.

The ache of missing him was real, yet tinged with a newfound gratitude. It reminded her of the extraordinary power of love. It was what made empty spaces feel full of promise, imperfections feel endearing, and the everyday glow with irreplaceable joy.

A new resolve settled over Maya as she turned back to the spreadsheet. The hollowness might echo from time to time, but she had the antidote – a heart full of love, and the knowledge that even across distance, that love was a constant source of strength and a reason to smile through it all.