I know that you have already heard from your tito about what happened between us or about what I have done. I understand that no matter what reason I give you, it will never justify my actions toward him. I did love him, but as the years passed, it became exhausting. You may know him as your tito, but for me, I saw him in a different light—as a partner.

We shared good moments together, but like any other relationship, we were not perfect. We made mistakes, had shortcomings, and faced challenges. No relationship is ever truly perfect. Maybe I just got tired. Maybe I just got tired of carrying his burdens—burdens that were never mine to carry in the first place.

I am sorry, but that is the reality of life—you cannot force yourself to love someone when you can no longer carry the weight of the problems that come with it. If both of you are drowning, who will save who, especially if neither of you knows how to swim?

To be honest, my parents never approved of my relationship with your tito. But I still chose to stay by his side—I was there for him, made myself vulnerable for him, comforted him when he was down, and helped him when he had nothing.

I never made him feel like he owed me anything. It wasn’t about debts or favors—it was simply because he needed me, and I wanted to be there for him.

Life is a rollercoaster, and our relationship was no exception. We had our highs and lows, our moments of joy and sorrow. But I never thought it would end this way.

It wasn’t until my tita told me to take a step back—to live a lowkey life for now, to pursue my dreams, and to help my parents and siblings who are still studying—that I started to see things differently. And I did change. Your tito noticed it, too.

I hated seeing him cry. It hurt to watch him in pain. But one day, when you experience a love like this—when it becomes too toxic to stay—learn to walk away, even if it means leaving empty-handed. Because even then, you will still carry the memories.

I was never mad at you when you said you hated me for what I did to him. Your feelings are valid, and I never blamed you for that.

I’m sorry I didn’t keep my promise to your tito. Maybe one day, you’ll forget about me or what I did to him. But please, love him and cherish him for me—that’s the one thing I failed to do.

Someday, when you are older, you will understand this kind of love—the one that should not be forced when the feelings have already faded or when respect for each other is no longer there.