Sarah had been with Michael for three years when she realized something had changed between them. They used to talk for hours about their dreams and plans for the future. Now their conversations had become short and practical, mostly about bills and groceries. One evening, Sarah came home from work feeling exhausted and sad. Michael was sitting on the couch, watching television without looking up when she entered. 'Hi,' she said quietly, hoping he would notice how tired she looked. 'Hey,' he replied without turning his head. Sarah stood in the doorway for a moment, feeling more alone than ever before. She went to the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed, thinking about their relationship. When had they stopped really seeing each other? The next morning, Sarah decided she needed to have an honest conversation with Michael. She found him in the kitchen, drinking coffee and scrolling through his phone. 'Michael, we need to talk,' she said, her voice trembling slightly. He looked up, perhaps sensing the seriousness in her tone. 'What is it?' he asked, putting down his phone. Sarah took a deep breath before speaking. 'I feel like we have grown apart,' she said honestly. 'We do not connect anymore the way we used to.' Michael was silent for a long moment, staring at his coffee cup. 'I know,' he finally admitted. 'I have felt it too, but I did not know how to bring it up.' They talked for hours that morning, being more honest with each other than they had been in months. They both acknowledged that their love had faded into something more like friendship. 'Maybe it is time we accept that this is not working anymore,' Michael said gently. Sarah nodded, tears forming in her eyes despite knowing he was right. Breaking up was painful even when both people knew it was the right decision. Over the following weeks, they carefully divided their shared belongings. Michael agreed to move out since the apartment had originally been Sarah's. The day he packed his final boxes was one of the hardest days of Sarah's life. 'Take care of yourself,' Michael said as he stood at the door with his last bag. 'You too,' Sarah replied, her voice catching in her throat. After he left, Sarah sat alone in the suddenly too-quiet apartment. She allowed herself to cry freely, knowing it was part of the healing process. Her best friend Emma came over that evening with wine and chocolate. 'I am so sorry, Sarah,' Emma said, hugging her tightly. 'But I also think you did the right thing by being honest with each other.' The first few weeks were the hardest. Sarah would wake up in the middle of the night, reaching for someone who was no longer there. She found herself wanting to tell Michael about things that happened during her day. But slowly, day by day, the pain began to lessen. Sarah started doing things she had not done in years. She signed up for a painting class that she had always wanted to try. She started going for long walks in the park near her apartment. She reconnected with old friends she had lost touch with during her relationship. Three months after the breakup, Sarah felt like a different person. She had discovered parts of herself that she had forgotten existed. Her paintings were not perfect, but creating something with her hands made her happy. One afternoon, Sarah ran into Michael at their favorite coffee shop. For a moment, she felt her heart skip a beat when she saw him. But then she took a deep breath and walked over to say hello. 'Sarah, you look great,' Michael said with a genuine smile. 'Thanks. So do you,' she replied, noticing he seemed more relaxed than before. They sat down together and had a pleasant conversation about their lives. Michael had started a new job that he was excited about. Sarah told him about her painting class and how much she enjoyed it. 'I am glad you are doing well,' he said sincerely. 'Me too. For both of us,' Sarah replied. As she walked home that evening, Sarah thought about how much she had grown. The breakup had been painful, but it had also been necessary. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let go of something that is not right for you. Sarah had learned that ending a relationship did not mean failure. It meant being honest about what you need and deserve in life. She realized that she and Michael had made the mature choice to end things gracefully. Many couples stay together out of habit or fear of being alone. But Sarah and Michael had chosen growth over comfort. A year later, Sarah was sitting in her newly decorated apartment. Her paintings hung on the walls, filling the space with color and life. She had built a life that truly reflected who she was. She was not looking for another relationship, but she was open to whatever life might bring. Most importantly, she had learned to be happy on her own. That was something no breakup could ever take away from her. Looking back, Sarah understood that the breakup was not the end of her story. It was simply a new chapter, full of possibilities she had never imagined before. And she was ready to write it herself, one page at a time.
English Story (B1)The Breakup
This B1 English story is designed for intermediates learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Sarah realizes her three-year relationship with Michael has grown distant. After an honest conversation, they both acknowledge their love has faded and decide to break up. Though painful, Sarah uses this time to rediscover herself through painting classes and reconnecting with old friends. Months later, she runs into Michael at a coffee shop and they have a pleasant conversation as friends. Sarah learns that ending a relationship is not failure but a brave choice for growth, and she builds a fulfilling life on her own terms.
Translations in English
Linked wordUnderlined wordOther words
Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
How long had Sarah been with Michael when she realized something had changed?
2
Who agreed to move out of the apartment after the breakup?
3
What new activity did Sarah sign up for after the breakup?
4
Who came to visit Sarah with wine and chocolate after the breakup?
Vocabulary
40 words from this story
