B Read the article. Complete it with the time expressions.
a few years later,
17 years ago for ten years
a year after
I'll never forget you
Spain !
Adapted from the British press
teve Smith from Devon in the UK met Carmen Ruiz-Perez from
when they were both in their twenties. Carmen
was studying English at a language school in Torbay, where Steve lived.
They fell in love and decided to get married. But ?
the
engagement, Carmen moved to France to work, and the long-distance
relationship first cooled and then ended.
Steve tried to get in touch with Carmen again?
but she had changed her address in Paris. So he sent a letter to her
mother's address in Spain. In the letter he asked her if she was married
and if she ever thought of him or of coming back to England. He gave
her his phone number and asked her to get in touch. But Carmen's
mother didn't send the letter to her daughter and it fell down behind
the fireplace, where it stayed 4​

Steve Smith met Carmen Ruiz-Perez from Spain in Torbay, when they were both in their twenties. They fell in love and decided to get married. However, soon after their engagement, Carmen moved to France for work. The long-distance relationship started to cool down and eventually ended.

A year after their engagement, Steve tried to get in touch with Carmen again, but he found out that she had changed her address in Paris. Determined to reconnect with her, he sent a letter to her mother's address in Spain. In the letter, he expressed his feelings for Carmen and asked her if she was married or if she ever thought of him or coming back to England. Steve also gave his phone number and requested Carmen to contact him.

Unfortunately, Carmen's mother did not send the letter to her daughter. Instead, the letter accidentally fell behind the fireplace and remained there for several years. Eventually, the letter was discovered a few years later, 17 years ago, after it was initially sent.

This story highlights the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship and the importance of effective communication. Despite the time and distance that had separated them, Steve's love for Carmen never faded. The letter's discovery brought back memories and emotions from their past, reminding Steve of their love story.

In conclusion, Steve's attempt to reconnect with Carmen through a letter demonstrates his perseverance and longing for their relationship. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond their control led to a communication breakdown. This story teaches us that open and direct communication is crucial in relationships, and it highlights the significance of seizing opportunities to express our feelings and not letting them go unspoken.