At my moments of reflection, I am haunted by the realization that love can be a double-edged sword, capable of both healing and harming in equal measure. I have learned the hard way that one of the most toxic things I have ever done is to turn a blind eye to the flaws and faults of someone I held dear in my heart.

In the beginning, their imperfections seemed like mere blemishes on an otherwise perfect canvas. I chose to see only the good, to believe that love could conquer all and that their shortcomings would fade away in the light of our shared connection. But as time passed, the cracks in their facade began to widen, revealing a darkness that I could no longer ignore.

I watched as they hurt others, as they lied and manipulated, as they reveled in their own selfishness without a care for the consequences. And still, I clung to the belief that love could change them, that my unwavering devotion would be enough to save them from themselves.

But the truth is, love cannot fix what is broken beyond repair. It cannot erase the scars of a troubled past or mend the wounds of a damaged soul. And in my desperate attempt to hold onto a love that was never meant to be, I only succeeded in poisoning my own heart and soul.

So now I stand at a crossroads, torn between the love that once consumed me and the harsh reality of the damage it has wrought. I must learn to let go, to release myself from the chains of toxic affection and find the strength to walk away, knowing that sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is to love ourselves enough to say goodbye.

Copyright © Beatriz Esmer