Out of Love - By Sarah Telford

Written By: Sarah Telford

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her moving short story "Out of Love," Sarah Telford invites readers to reflect on the poignant realities of love and loss. Featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this narrative unfolds a deeply emotional journey of a young woman's resolution to let go of her terminally ill partner. Through Telford's compelling storytelling, we are drawn into a narrative rich with compassion and the bittersweet acceptance of life's most challenging moments.

About the Work

"Out of Love" captures the essence of enduring love faced with an inevitable farewell. Telford skillfully weaves a narrative that navigates the complexities of human emotions when confronted with a partner's terminal illness. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt dialogue, the story encapsulates the sorrow and strength required to bid farewell and honor a loved one's wishes. The piece stands as a testament to the power of love, resilience, and acceptance.

Out of Love

Original Submission by Sarah Telford

Out of Love

Her New Year’s resolution was to stop falling in love with him. It was time. She had to accept reality and move on. As tough as it was to accept, she had to understand their love story had come to a close. There was nothing she could do about it. She gazed longingly at his sleeping face. At least for this moment, Connor was at peace, a feeling that had been scarce lately. Ever since his terminal cancer diagnosis a few months ago, nothing had seemed right.

They were the perfect couple. He was the high school football quarterback with a heart of gold. His smile lit up a room. He would give the shirt off his back to a stranger if it would help them. He didn’t just light up a room, he lit up the whole block. He hid the fact that he was an avid book lover. Not a bad student either. He was always looking for sweet things to do to surprise her. He remembered every anniversary, every birthday, everything special. He knew what her favourite colour was, what she liked to eat, her dislikes, and what made her tick. He was so attentive. With one look at her face he could tell exactly how she was feeling. He was the perfect boyfriend.

She couldn’t believe he had chosen her, but she had full confidence he was devoted to her. She was the class president. The kind of person who was so popular they could have run the school with an iron fist, but instead she spent her days making people happy. She listened to everyone and tried to make the school a better place. You could always trust her word. If she said she was going to do something, it got done. She believed everyone was important and deserved to be heard. She loved school and opening up a new novel to read. They were a perfect match. Two caring people trying to improve the world in any tiny way they could. She loved Connor with all her heart and he reciprocated that love. They thought they were going to be together forever.

As she started to walk away, she allowed herself to remember the good times. The first was the first time he had asked her out. He had been so shy. She had later found out he had stammered through what he wanted to say to his mirror dozens of times before he’d even tried to approach her. When he had finally built up the confidence, he had gone to the local florist and picked out the most beautiful rose she had ever seen. It was still on her bedside table, pressed delicately between the pages of her favourite book. He had then asked if she would do the honor of accompanying him to the movies that Saturday. Of course she had squealed yes. Secretly she had been crushing on him as well. It was like something out of a fairytale.

She cringed as she remembered what happened when they actually went out on that first date. It had been so awkward at first. They had missed the first showing and had to wait in the lobby of the theatre for the next timeslot of the movie. Neither knew what to talk about. But then, a spark seemed to fly. They bonded over a deep love for books, and confided in each other how much they loved the novel version of the movie they were about to see. By the time they actually saw the film, they were smitten. It seemed like fate when their hands touched in the popcorn bowl. The rest was history.

Then her mind shifted to their one-year anniversary.. He had gone all out. He had saved every penny for months to give her a magical carriage ride through the park. When it started to rain during the middle of it he was heartbroken that she would be disappointed. But all she did was laugh and say “a little water never hurt anyone. We’re not sugar, we won’t melt!” If anything it had just made the night even more memorable. By the end of the whole ordeal they were both drenched, but laughing so hard neither seemed to care.

She felt a tear well up in her eye again. So much laughter. So much fun. So much growth. So many memories. Connor was her life. He was the one she ran to when things got tough. He was the one she confided in when she had a secret she needed to share. He understood her like no one else did. It was his shoulder she wanted to cry on when she was in distress. They were a perfect match. But now, it was all over.

Three months ago, she had noticed something off about Connor. He seemed a little less energetic, more fatigued. A once dedicated player, he wasn’t able to finish his football practices. He would end up throwing away and would avoid running the ball if he could. This lead his coach to pull him and yell at him. He’d tried to explain to her that it wasn’t due to lack of effort, he just physically couldn’t do it. That’s when his mother had decided to take him to the doctor. They figured he had the flu, or maybe something like mono. Nothing could have prepared them for the news they got.

A few days after his appointment, he had called her. She had been desperately waiting to hear his voice on the phone. Then he delivered the blow. He had cancer. Aggressive cancer. They were going to the oncologist the next day to discuss their options, but it didn’t look good. Then he had hung up. Just like that, nothing further.

She had cried herself to sleep that night, afraid of the unknown. What did this mean for their relationship? Surely the doctors would find something to help hm. They had to, didn’t they? It couldn’t end like this. Their fairytale had to have a happy ending, it just had to. She tossed and turned, numb with worry.

The following weeks came with more answers, but none of them good. It was confirmed the tumor couldn’t be operated on and wasn’t responding to chemotherapy. As his body continued to deteriorate, she felt helpless. She visited the hospital every day. Brought things from home to make his room feel less clinical. She read to him from the books they both loved so much that has bonded them in the first place. But they both knew his time was running out.

That day, he had opened his eyes and looked at her longingly. She knew he had something to say, but was having trouble finding the words to say it with. Then he spoke. “I know I don’t have much time left,” he said. “But you do. I don’t want you to waste the best years of your life waiting on me. I’m not getting better. It’s ok for you to let me go.”

His words had stung like a cut from a knife. But she could see how much they hurt him to say, so she didn’t argue. As he fell asleep, she softly kissed him forehead and slowly got up to head to the door.

Her New Year’s resolution was to stop falling in love with him. It was how it had to be. She knew hurting her was hurting him. It was time to let hm go. As painful as it may be, dragging it out would only cause more pain for the both of them. It was kindest to let him go in peace, on his terms. Let him have the last word. This was his choice, and he hadn’t been getting many of those lately. She decided to let him have this. It was by far the hardest thing she would ever have to do. She turned around one last time, to take a mental picture of the first boy she had ever loved. She had to close that chapter of her life, and find a way to move on with a broken heart that she knew would never fully heal.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates diverse voices in the realm of creative writing and poetry. This esteemed competition provides a platform for talent from around the world to share their unique stories and perspectives. Participants have the opportunity to showcase their work, engage with a wider audience, and contribute to a vibrant literary community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sarah Telford for her touching contribution, "Out of Love," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her story of love and acceptance resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression on all who read it. We wish Sarah continued inspiration and success in her future literary endeavors.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.