"The wounds we do not confront end up silently directing our lives." —Carl Jung
The news of Dylan and Ailín's relationship spread like wildfire through the university halls. In just a few days, they became one of those couples everyone admired: she, sweet but reserved; he, charismatic and charming. Yet behind the smiles and happy photos, Ailín was fighting a silent battle against her old inner enemy.
During the first few weeks, everything felt like a dream. Dylan was attentive, affectionate, and made her laugh effortlessly. But soon, insecurities began to creep in like tiny invisible cracks. A glance from another girl or an innocent comment was enough to make Ailín feel that familiar twinge in her chest. And, as if waiting for that moment, Oscurita returned.
—Well, well… —said the voice in a playful tone—. Look who's back on center stage! I thought with all the love and flowers you'd retired me.
Ailín closed her eyes in exasperation.
—I'm not in the mood for your comments.
—Oh, really? Then why did you summon me with that "I'm not enough" look? It's my favorite emergency signal.
Ailín sighed. She tried to focus on her studies, on her relationship, on everything… but Oscurita always found the perfect gap to slip through.
—I'm just a little nervous, that's all —she murmured.
—Nervous? —the shadow repeated, laughing—. Please. That's not nerves, that's elegant panic. Yours has class: it disguises itself as serenity but trembles inside.
Ailín tried to ignore her, but Oscurita wouldn't stop.
—Look, Dylan is smiling at those girls again. See? So sociable… so charming… so…
—I get it! —Ailín interrupted tensely.
—Perfect, because I don't yet —Oscurita continued—. Explain why you keep pretending it doesn't bother you. Oh, of course, because you're "the Zen girlfriend," the one who understands everything.
Ailín remained silent. She knew arguing with Oscurita was useless.
Over time, she tried to prove she could be strong. She tolerated uncomfortable situations without saying a word, convinced it showed maturity. But what she was really doing was building walls inside herself. She became complacent, unable to say "no." Instead of setting boundaries, she smiled.
—Excellent strategy —commented Oscurita ironically one night while Ailín brushed her teeth in front of the mirror—. If you keep this up, you'll soon be the nicest person on the planet… and the most exhausted.
—Not everyone can go through life being a walking sarcastic remark —Ailín replied, half-smiling.
—You're right. Some of us prefer the elegance of chronic self-criticism —Oscurita answered with feigned solemnity.
...
Everything changed when Ailín decided to enter a writing contest titled "Self-Improvement Through Art." At first, she hesitated, as always.
—Self-improvement? —Oscurita laughed, leaning back as if in an invisible armchair—. So you're going to write about me? What an honor!
Ailín rolled her eyes but wrote anyway. The words flowed, and for the first time in a long while, her inner voice didn't sound fragile. When she won the contest, she felt light, as if part of her soul had finally breathed.
—Well, well… —said Oscurita upon hearing the news—. A winner. And me? Aren't you going to mention me in your acknowledgments? "Thanks to my chronic anxiety for inspiring me." That would be lovely.
Ailín laughed.
—It's not all about you.
—Oh, of course not —replied the shadow—. I've only been co-author of your deepest thoughts for years. But don't worry, invisible credits suit me fine.
Later, Dylan hugged her excitedly.
—I knew you could do it, Ailín. I'm so proud of you.
For the first time, she didn't need his words to define herself. That night, as she wrote in her notebook, Oscurita appeared again, but calmer.
—Hey… —she said—. It wasn't so bad.
—The contest?
—No. Seeing you happy. Though I must admit, it feels strange… you're taking my job, you know?
Ailín smiled at the blank page.
—Then take a vacation.
—Vacation? Please. If I leave, you'll get bored. Besides, who else will tell you the truth with style?
Ailín laughed out loud.
—Maybe I'll learn to do it myself.
—Hahaha… sure —Oscurita replied mockingly—. But when you're afraid to shine too brightly, you know who to call.
...
A few days later, Dylan asked Ailín to take a walk across campus. There was no rush, no noise; only the whisper of leaves and the afternoon breeze. As they walked, Ailín felt her heart race with every step. Oscurita stayed close, curious but quiet.
They stopped at a small garden, away from the crowds, where they could speak without interruption. Ailín stared at the ground, unable to form words. Dylan watched her with that mixture of tenderness and nervousness that made her feel safe and vulnerable at the same time.
—Ailín… —he said softly—. I want to tell you something.
She looked at him, heart pounding.
—Tell me.
He pulled her into a warm embrace. Ailín wrapped her arms around him, feeling the raw emotion in every heartbeat. The world seemed to stop. Oscurita, from a corner of her mind, whispered sarcastically:
"Wow… so this is what they call love. Well, at least they aren't ruining it… yet."
Then, Dylan leaned in gently, and they shared their first kiss, tender and sincere. Ailín closed her eyes, letting the emotion wash over her. Oscurita, for the first time, remained silent, surprised that this moment didn't hurt or scare her.
When the kiss ended, Dylan hugged her again, whispering softly:
—You matter more than I ever imagined.
Ailín felt a mixture of joy, relief, and awe. Oscurita stepped back, realizing that not all love needed to wound or frighten her. For the first time, the shadow stayed quiet, accompanying without interfering.
That day, Ailín understood something essential: even shadows could learn to smile if they were allowed to witness light without fear.