Canvas of Us

In a bustling city nestled between mountains and seas lived two young souls, Mia and Leo. They had been together for three years, and their relationship was the epitome of youthful love—filled with laughter, sweet moments, and unforgettable memories. Mia, with bright eyes and an infectious smile, was an artist by heart, painting canvases that reflected her free-spirited nature. Leo, on the other hand, was a wannabe writer, a dreamer with a passion for words that can make one feel as if they are reading prose that moves.

Their love story was not at all easy or conventional. Mia had discovered Leo's book in a small independent bookstore on a rainy afternoon. The book was full of beautiful, heartfelt poetry, speaking directly to her soul. She fell for the words, but little did she know that soon she was going to fall for the writer too. They met at a book signing, their eyes locked, and it was like magic. Hours of discussion about books, art, and life; but tonight would leave them knowing they were meant to be.

At first, everything was just perfect. They spent their days exploring art galleries, writing poetry together under the stars, and having impromptu picnics in the park. Every little gesture, every look, every word, was a reaffirmation of how much they meant to each other. Mia painted her feelings for Leo on every canvas, while Leo wrote stories about their love. They were each other's muse.

But like any great story, there were twists and turns to their journey.

As time went by, the pressures of life began to creep in. Leo's writing career started gaining momentum and he found himself always busy with deadlines and meetings. Mia's art studio was flourishing, but it meant that she was often wrapped up in her work, leaving little time for them to be together. Slowly, their once-vibrant connection faded into the background of their busy lives. They started not talking much to each other, not sharing thoughts and dreams. Small arguments began to simmer over trivia, as now the sweet experience of effortless love often seemed to be strained.

Leo came home late that evening after a very long day, having attended some book event. Mia was sitting alone in their living room staring at the painting she had been working on for weeks. There was a silence between them with unspoken tension, and Mia finally addressed it.

"Leo, I think we've grown apart," she said softly but firmly, though she could not manage to look at him.

Leo's heart sank. He had known things weren't perfect, but hearing those words out loud was a different feeling altogether. "Mia. no, we're just busy. We'll get through it."

But Mia shook her head. "It's not just the busy schedules. It's everything. We're not the same people we were when we met. I feel like I've lost you. I don't know who you are anymore.

Leo felt a swollen lump in his throat. He tried to explain, how much he still cared for her, but the words did not seem to find their way into her soul. Mia digested this for a moment before making a decision.

 "I think we need a break. We need some time figuring out who we are without each other.

Leo was heartbroken, but on a deep subconscious level, he knew that she was right. Maybe they both needed time apart to mend and find themselves again. They decided to take a break and not make any promises concerning how the future would be. This was one of the hardest decisions they ever had to make, but it somehow seemed like saving their very identities was the only possibility.

The days that came were hollow. Mia dived head-on into her art, producing pieces darker, with an unrelenting pain of loss. Leo, for his part, could barely write. His words lost the fluidity with which he had always written, and it was if every story he tried to write was incomplete. Their absence in each other's life created a void that neither of them could fill with anything else.

Months passed, and slowly, they healed. Mia travels to new places, finding inspiration in the world, while Leo takes time to reflect on his past work and what he wants for himself in the future. Each of them grows, learning to love themselves again, finding joy in their own endeavors.

Then, one sunny afternoon, fate decided to intervene.

Mia attended an art exhibition that was a preview of her latest collection when she saw Leo standing in front of one of her paintings. He stood there lost in thought, admiring the colors and brushstrokes that seemed to capture everything they had been through. Mia's heart skipped a beat as she went over to him.

"You still remember this one?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Leo turned around, and his face brightened as he saw her. "How could I ever forget? This one… this one reminds me of us," he said, his eyes roaming for something there.

Mia smiled small, knowingly. "I was thinking that too.

For a moment, they just sat there in silence-silence that was comfortable and understanding. It wasn't a painful or resentful silence, but one filled with the memories of their love together.

Leo took another step closer. "Mia, I've missed you. Missed *us*. I think I finally see what I've been missing all these years.

Mia looked at him, her heart thumping. "I've missed you too, Leo. But we've changed. We're not the same people we were."

Leo nodded, his eyes sincere. "But maybe that's okay. We don't have to be the same. We just have to be willing to grow together.

And so, they made the move forward, toward healing their now broken bond. They didn't jump into anything but spent their time rediscovering one another and the spark that once burned so hot. They learned how to discuss things better, how to support each other without losing themselves in the process. The breakup was painful, but it had given each of them room to grow, individually and as a couple.

Months later, at sunset, Leo and Mia returned to the park where they had shared their first picnic. They sat side by side, no longer needing words to feel deep within themselves the depth of their connection. The love they feared once lost is now stronger, much more resilient. They learnt that true love wasn't being perfect; it was growing together, in understanding and willing to fight for each other, regardless of how much time or distance has passed.

And so, Mia and Leo reunite their hearts, knowing no matter what challenges life has ahead, they will always find their way back to each other.