My girlfriend and I used to write letters to each other when we didn’t live together, and I often write letters to her in my journal when I’m feeling low as a way to talk to her when I feel like I can’t. Well, here is the one I wrote this morning:

My love,

It’s only been half a day and already I keep seeing things and thinking, Oh, Sophia would love this, or, We should do this next weekend or, This cat is so adorable, and start to send you the link to whatever cute cat I was looking at until I remember that we’re pausing our relationship. Who knows if there will be a next weekend. We’re giving ourselves time apart to reflect on us and who we are together, and as individuals. But I can’t help but think about how much I miss you already. How am I supposed to reflect on us when I all I want to do is call you and say, “Let’s forget this whole break thing because I love you and you love me? That’s all the matters right?” Why can’t love stop all the arguments, all the jealousy, all the frustration?

I just want you back already. I miss the good-morning kisses and how you cover my face with the covers when you turn on the lights so I don’t wake up. This morning you just left, with no goodbye. But I know that this isn’t the end of us because we love each other too much to give up so easily. Soon, we’ll be back to sharing cat videos and marathoning Dawson’s Creek. And when our break is over we’ll go check out this cat cafe I just found and it’ll be like it used to be.

I love you,

Talinga

—By Talinga M., 20, Austin