The moment I realized it wouldn't last

A memoir I wrote for my English assignment

I remember the feeling more than the details.

It was late, and everything around me was quiet, but my thoughts weren't. I kept thinking about someone who felt close to me for a short time, even though I knew from the beginning it probably wouldn't last. That didn't stop it from feeling real in the moment. 

I would replay small things in my head. Conversations, laughs, the way things felt easy when we were together. It's strange how quickly your mind can turn ordinary moments into something you hold onto.

But there was always this other thought sitting underneath everything. The awareness that time was running in the background, even when I tried not to think about it.

When it started to fade, I didn't know what to do with it. It wasn't a big dramatic ending. It was quieter than that. Just distance growing slowly, until I realized I was the only one still holding onto the same feeling.

I think what hurt the most wasn't losing the person, but realizing how strongly I can feel something even when I know it won't stay.

After a while, I stopped replaying everything so much. Not because it didn't matter anymore, but because I started to understand something important. Some things are real even if they don't last.

And even if it hurt, it taught me that I can care deeply, and still move forward when I have to.