She dreamed with hope in her heart.

They had fallen in love.

He had told her that he loved her, but he couldn't stay. He had asked her to come with him, but she couldn't leave. She had a family, a job, a life here. She had hoped that he would change his mind, that he would choose her over his dreams. But he didn't. He had left her with a kiss and a promise. She had never stopped loving him.

She still dreamed of him, every night. She dreamed of what could have been, what should have been. She dreamed of his smile, his voice, his touch. She dreamed of their future, their happiness, their love. She woke up every morning with tears in her eyes and a pain in her chest. She woke up every morning with a longing in her soul and a regret in her mind. She woke up every morning with a hope in her heart and a ring on her finger.

She woke up every morning alone.