1:00 PM

He wore a blue shirt over black trousers. He had on navy blue sneakers with white soles. His broad shoulders filled out his shirt, and he wore sunglasses to shield his eyes. With his backpack slung over one shoulder, he stood calmly in front of classroom B3. His wait was brief, as the second-year Agronomy students began streaming out one by one. It was break time.

The young man in the white polo soon spotted the person he was waiting for. His face lit up with a delighted smile. He tightened his grip on the strap of his backpack and walked toward a girl who clearly did not look thrilled to see him.
— Hi, Lise.
— Roland, she murmured.
— Yes.
— Roland, what are you doing here?
— Lise, we need to talk, please. You can’t keep ignoring me like this.

Lisa quickly glanced around as if afraid of being seen with him. He tried to take her hand, but she stepped back. Just a simple touch from Roland might sway her. She knew that. Even now, his familiar scent was hard to bear. She forced herself to regain her composure.

— Roland, please… I’m hungry.
— I just want to talk. Just during this break. That’s all I’m asking. And if you explain what’s going on, you’ll never hear from me again—if that’s what you want.
Lisa hesitated for a moment, then gave in.
— Okay. I was about to go to the cafeteria.
— I’ll go with you, darling.

They headed toward the large UST cafeteria.

It wasn’t the only place on campus where students could get food. Those who preferred could go outside to grab a meal of their choice. Prices varied depending on the dish. Just across from the university were two small eateries serving various local dishes. But generally, UST students favored the campus restaurant for its standards, meal quality, and especially the friendly atmosphere. This huge cafeteria could accommodate up to 1,000 students a day. Despite the air conditioning, a pleasant smell of smoked pork filled the now half-empty dining hall. The first wave of customers had already left, making more space available.

Lisa sat at a table, and Roland offered to bring her food. He spent less time getting a ticket and meal tray than Angela and James had. The girl James and Angela had talked about earlier sat just a few meters from Lisa and Roland, absentmindedly eating her rice and chicken. Roland placed the tray in front of Lisa, who avoided eye contact—something he noticed.

— Lise…
— Yes, Roland…
— What’s going on?
The young woman looked down for a moment, then raised her eyes to meet his.
— I think you know what’s going on.
— No, not at all. All I know is you stopped answering my messages yesterday. Maybe you blocked me. I couldn’t reach you on WhatsApp or Messenger. I went by your place twice last night, but you weren’t there. I was so scared. I thought something had happened to you after the way you left last time. Is it still about Jesus? He really doesn’t want us to be together? Even if we love each other?
— Roland, it’s more complicated than that. But don’t worry about me. I’m fine. I’m sorry for scaring you like that. I just needed some peace and quiet to think.

The student in the white polo took off his sunglasses and placed them on the table.
— And now? Do you feel better?
Lisa gave him a sorrowful look. He was still such a charming young man. But her future wasn’t with him—and she knew it. Maybe he knew it too, but refused to see it.
— I’m better, Roland, she said.
— Okay. So, you’ve made your decision, right?
— Yes. Given how things are now, it’s the best thing for both of us, Roland.

She looked at him sadly. He seemed both lost and panicked. Even though he tried not to show it, it was written all over his face. He loved her—and maybe she loved him too. But sometimes, love just isn’t enough.

— I love you, you know?

That was all he managed to say. And it was enough to tear her heart apart. Of course, he loved her. She had never doubted that. Throughout their time together, she’d gotten to know a caring, attentive, charming guy who never got angry, despite all the tantrums she’d thrown with her moody fits.

She had often made things difficult with her jealousy and mood swings. But he had always done his best to make it work. He had never even pressured her into sleeping with him. It was she who had let go, and he had only responded to the silent message she sent—the way she touched his arm during conversations, the way she provocatively looked him in the eyes, telling him how handsome he was and how lucky she was to have him. Lisa nodded.

— I love you too, Roland. And I hope you meet someone great. The right person. And most of all, I hope you meet the one I’ve met. Believe me, I didn’t make this decision lightly. I thought about it. I prayed. I asked if there was even the slightest chance for us. There wasn’t. And I cried. Because I really do love you. When I left your place the other day, I knew it was our last intimate moment together. Deep down, I knew it.
— So, this is about Jesus? he asked softly. All this has to do with him, doesn’t it?
— Yes.
He sighed.
— Really?
— Yes, Roland. Deep down, I know this is the best thing to do right now. I don’t know the future. I can’t promise we’ll never be together again. But right now, we can’t be together anymore.
— I still don’t understand why. What difference does it make? I’m even willing not to touch you again, if that’s what you want.
— Roland…
— Lisa, please. Don’t throw this all away.
— Roland, it’s more than you think. It’s not just about sex. I’m convinced we’re heading in opposite directions in life. And if we insist on staying together… nothing good will come of it. Or we’ll miss our purpose.
— What purpose are you talking about? We promised each other we’d grow old together. Do you think I wasn’t serious? I’ve never cheated on you in a whole year of dating. And it’s not like I didn’t have the opportunity. But that’s just who I am. I don’t know how to love two girls at once. I see us married someday, with kids.
— Not me, Roland…

She knew that answer would break his heart. But it was how she felt. And this wasn’t the time to sugarcoat it. Roland wanted the truth. She owed it to him.

— Why are you saying this, Lise? So everything we shared meant nothing to you?
— On the contrary. It meant a lot. So much. But things are the way they are. Many things are fixed in human destiny. Some things can be changed, but many shouldn’t be. I recently learned that life works like a train meant to carry us toward our destiny. There are many trains, each with a different destination. Sometimes we share the cabin with people. Then comes the moment when those people have to board another train to a different destination. That leads us to part ways—even with people we love. Because we’re no longer going in the same direction. Usually, for the journey, we’re surrounded by a small group—that’s our inner circle. And then there are those who need to go elsewhere, to do something else, with someone else. If two people from different groups try to force things to stay together, they not only jeopardize their own groups but are also heading for disaster. And I strongly feel that’s the case for us, Roland. I believe we’re no longer going the same way. I came to that conclusion yesterday.
— Lise…
— I know. Everything I’m saying sounds strange. But if we stay together… we’ll lose ourselves.

He said nothing for a moment. As if processing everything she’d said. But in truth, he wasn’t really thinking. All he had truly grasped was that Lisa was leaving him. And that, he couldn’t accept.

— Alright. I get it, he finally said, struggling to keep his composure. I hope you’ll be happy with Jesus. I really hope you don’t regret this and that you know what you’re doing. Because I’m sure He has everything to do with this. This is all my fault from the start. I should’ve run the first time you gave me that presentation about your religion. Poor me—I fell in love. You really played me, didn’t you, Lise?

His voice had taken on a bitter tone. He was finding it harder to hide his pain.

— Roland… stop. Please don’t say things like that.

The young man exhaled to release some of the pressure. He was too well-mannered to speak harshly to Lisa just because she was dumping him. That wasn’t the kind of guy he was.

— Fine. Fine, I’ll shut up, he said.
— Again, I’m really sorry, Roland.
— Yeah, whatever. I think I’ll go.
— What about your food?
He gave her a half-smile.
— I’m not hungry anymore. I don’t even know why I got food. I already knew what your decision was. I just wanted to hear it from you directly. Now I have.

Before Lisa could respond, he stood up and took his tray to the counter. He returned slowly, his face serious and expressionless, concealing deep sorrow.

— Well… goodbye, Lise, he said once in front of his ex-girlfriend. And thank you—for all the good times.

Lisa forced herself to look up at him. Tears welled up in her eyes. She wanted to stand up and hug him. But that wouldn’t help. She simply nodded and watched him walk away. The Roland chapter of her life was now closed. She was counting on Jesus to heal her pain. Because one thing was certain—she hurt just as much as he did. Maybe even more.

Lisa glanced around the room. No one was paying attention. The place was noisy, and students were laughing loudly over their meals. Roland walked out of the restaurant. Lisa saw him slowly close the door behind him. She tried hard not to let the tears stream down her face. If she gave in now, she’d start sobbing uncontrollably, and she had no desire for any student to come ask her what was wrong.

Lisa discreetly wiped her tears with her fingers. Her long locks fell over her face. She gently brushed them back.

— You made the right decision, whispered a tiny voice. I’ll take care of him now.

Lisa ate in silence. Unlike Roland, she hadn’t lost her appetite. While she ate, Lisa received a message from Angela asking her to wait after class…

This excerpt is from the book “SENTINELLES: PREMIER TOUR DE GARDE” by Charles SANDAH.

We invite you to read the next article: “THE CONSPIRACY THEORIST.”

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