A Letter to Cupid (1/1)

When Carmela was young, her mother told her a story about a being named Cupid; she said she was an angel that shoots people with arrows, and if you get hit by her, you instantly fall in love. Carmela was awestruck by romance as a child, especially how people would buy flowers, chocolates, and huge stuffed bears for their partners.  Growing up, she wondered about love; she fell hard and fell out of it in the same way. She was convinced that it wasn't entirely her fault; maybe Cupid had a bad aim that led her to a bit of misfortune. If there were a list of ex-lovers, hers would be long enough to wear as a scarf. Carmela had a heart like a child's; even in her twenties, she still looked at the world with wide-eyed innocence. One morning while walking in the neighborhood streets, she bumped into someone. Her mind immediately made everything pink. The air felt nicer; the warm rays of the sun made their faces glow golden, "her smile could launch a thousand ships," she thought. The woman asked for her name. Instead of her name, she said, "Have a nice afternoon" as she scanned the area like she was looking for something––or someone then continued to walk away, leaving the woman confused. Cupid was fond of Carmela; she liked how she beamed at everyone, charming them with her innocence. She still remembered the time when Corazon's mother told her about her. She thought that nothing is purer than a child's amazement at something so complex. She followed her around and tried to strike anyone she thought might be perfect for Carmela, which was a mistake. She couldn't help it; she wanted her to meet somebody badly. Carmela's action shocked her. She was sure that the woman was perfect for her, but why did she walk away? Cupid checked her arrows to see if they worked; they were sharp and filled with magic. She tested them out on a few pedestrians walking by. With her target locked, she released the string with grace and let the arrow fly through the wind and into a woman's heart. In the same direction came a woman; with excitement, she aimed at the woman and shot an arrow again. She watched the two move closer to each other.  There was nothing wrong. Her bow and arrow worked fine. Was Carmela immune from her powers?  "I'll try again tomorrow," she said with eagerness and flew home.  Carmela grew tired of love and the things that come with it, but more importantly, she was convinced that Cupid meant more harm than good. She wanted her to stop meddling in her life. So, she grabbed a pen and paper and wrote a letter.  Dear Cupid,  I suppose you already know my sentiments. You are an archer with good aim, and every time you strike me, I can feel it. I have been feeling these since I can remember. You've given me countless possible forevers, but they don't feel real at all. Love is complex, and relationships don't have to be on life support. Getting struck once or twice is enough, but if you get struck more than a hundred times, the heart goes weak, and so makes the mind. You see, I thought that it would be best if you stopped now. You have done quite enough, and for that, I give my thanks. Sometimes, I know you mean well, but I am not sure anymore. This feeling inside of my chest keeps telling me that nothing is genuine anymore. Maybe I need some time alone.  Sincerely, Carmela After reading the letter––Carmela's last plea, Cupid puts down her bow and arrow and retires for good despite being heartbroken. She still looks over Carmela from time to time. She witnessed her walk down the aisle, marrying a good woman and finally settling down.