Love stories do not always end with a wedding, a breakup or a final goodbye. Sometimes, they simply fade into distance, leaving behind memories that remain vivid years later and questions about what might have been.
For Canada-based Kenyan nurse Joyce, one such story has resurfaced as she launched an online search for a former lover she met while studying nursing in Meru.
In a social media statement, Joyce appealed to internet users to help her trace a man identified as Albert Ken, whom she met when she was a student nurse and he was a doctor intern.
She described their early relationship as a simple friendship that gradually developed into something deeper.
«“He was intelligent, cheerful, simple, and he had this way of making me laugh without even trying,” Joyce recalled.»
According to Joyce, Albert would sometimes help her make patients' beds during her clinicals as they chatted and laughed. Their interactions continued during tea breaks, where they shared hospital tea and bread.
After Joyce completed college and returned to Nairobi, she said the distance made her realise how much she missed him. Their phone calls became longer, while letters from Albert became treasured reminders of their growing relationship.
«“I would take them to our family farm, sit somewhere quietly and read them over and over again,” she said of the letters.»
Their friendship eventually became love, and Albert travelled to Nairobi for their first and only date.
Joyce said she had carefully prepared for the occasion, but was initially amused when Albert arrived at Uhuru Park wearing a striped suit, black shoes and carrying a newspaper, with a red flower tucked into his coat.
«“I remember thinking, ‘A suit? To Uhuru Park?’” Joyce recalled humorously.»
Despite her initial reaction, Joyce said Albert's gestures quickly won her over. He brought her flowers, chocolates and a packed lunch of chicken and fries before taking her to the Arboretum.
She also recalled having a running nose during the date and said Albert gently used his handkerchief to wipe it without embarrassing her.
The romantic day, however, ended with unexpected news. Albert told Joyce he had secured a scholarship to pursue a master's degree in medicine in Austria.
«“Austria? After all those letters? All those phone calls? After finally having our first date?” she wrote.»
Albert eventually left Kenya, and their relationship was left hanging between the two countries. Joyce said they had talked, written letters, loved and dreamed together, but physically had only one date and never shared a proper kiss.
Years later, she is hoping social media can help reconnect them.
«“I don't know where life took him. But I would genuinely love to find him. Not to change the past. Just to sit across from him one more time and ask, ‘Albert Ken… do you remember me?’”»
Joyce appealed to anyone who knows Albert Ken, particularly a Kenyan doctor intern from Meru who later travelled to Austria on a scholarship, to help put them back in contact.
She said she still remembers the striped suit, red flower, chicken and fries, handkerchief and the brief kiss that marked the beginning—and eventual end—of their long-distance love story.