I met Eddie(not his real name) in June 2022 and am writing this story in June 2023. Image via Unsplash If you ask me what’s hurting me right now, I’ll just tell you my expectations. I hurt myself by expecting someone I loved to love me like I did for him. And a year later, he hasn't said anything, not even initiated romance. I am at a loss, sad and wish I had realized earlier that nothing would happen between us. I’ll tell you the story... I was going to work one morning. I can't remember the exact date, but it was mid-June. I was kinda late and was rushing. I heard a guy greet me, and when I looked up, he said, ‘’You're so beautiful’. I said thanks. His charismatic smile and gentle demeanor immediately caught my attention. We conversed a little more, and he asked for my number, which I gave him without hesitating. Little did I know that our encounter would mark the beginning of a mysterious journey that’d leave me questioning his intentions. Coffee Dates with Lingering