Valentine's Day - a brief history

Once upon a time, a boy had a crush on a girl. She liked him, too. They made a very cute couple.

Since it was almost Valentine’s Day, the boy decided to find the perfect gift for his perfect girl.

He bought a white, plush teddy bear, a heart-shaped box of chocolates, and a card that wasn’t too saccharine or overly romantic.

He brought the gift to class on Valentine’s Day to surprise her, but she didn’t go that day.

Maybe she's not feeling well, he thought. He called her and the machine answered.

He brought the gift to class a few days later, and much to his surprise, she didn’t go that day, either.

Maybe something is wrong, he thought. He called her, again, and the machine answered.

Since he cared for her, he was worried.

Finally, she showed up in class.

She said she had a few bad days and didn't want to go into details.

To lift her spirits, he told her he wanted to give her something afterwards.

Her mood changed. She was giddy with impatience.

Wanting her to like him, he presented her with the gift.

Here’s my heart, he thought.

Awww... That's so sweet, she said.

His spirits lifted.

She continues to say her boyfriend didn't give her anything this year as she unwrapped the package.

His spirits crashed.

In the months he knew her, she never mentioned a boyfriend. Not once.

She continued complaining about her boyfriend, all the while boy smiled and cried a little on the inside.

When she was done, he told her he was in a rush and would see her in class next week. In truth, he needed to get out of there because he didn't want to say or do something stupid.

The boy went headed for home. His pace quickened with every step, as did his pulse. He began to run. No matter how fast he went, he couldn't outrun the fact that she didn't feel the way he did about her.

His heart got cold on that day.

His heart felt worthless on that day.

His heart was broken on that day.