One evening, during a phone call, Sophie broke down. "James, I don't know if I can do this anymore. I miss you so much, but it feels like we're drifting apart."
James felt a lump in his throat. "I miss you too, Sophie. But we have to stay strong. We'll get through this."
Sophie hesitated before speaking again. "James, I think… I think we need to take a break. Focus on our lives for now."
James was stunned. "A break? Sophie, I don't want to lose you."
"I don't want to lose you either," Sophie said, her voice breaking. "But maybe this is what we need. Just for a little while."
James felt his heart shatter into a million pieces. He wanted to argue, to fight for their love, but he knew Sophie was right. The distance was taking its toll, and they both needed to focus on their futures.