Sydney native Cora Hayes experienced a whirlwind romance while backpacking through Europe, ending in heartbreak when her summer fling ghosted her after they got matching tattoos.
Hayes, from Sydney, Australia, met Jack while traveling in Europe. Their brief romance led them to get matching tattoos within 24 hours of meeting. Hayes shared her story on TikTok, recounting how the relationship quickly soured.
The couple connected on the dating app Hinge and felt an “instant connection,” according to Kennedy News and Media. They decided to get matching lemon tattoos during their first date in Edinburgh, Scotland.
“We went to a tattoo parlor and got matching tattoos of a little lemon. There was no reason, but we both agreed on the lemon and got the exact same tattoo at the same time together,” Hayes said.
Hayes, 22, was thrilled with their first date and planned to meet Jack again in Scotland after finishing her travels in England. She messaged him about her plans, and he responded positively.
“I messaged him saying I had some spare time while traveling and that I could come back. He said, ‘Yeah, come back. I’d love to see you again,’” she recalled.
Hayes booked a $181 flight from England to Scotland and sent Jack her flight details. They continued to message each other, and everything seemed to be going well.
However, just two days before her flight, Jack ghosted her. Hayes received a message from him saying, “Hey, I’m really sorry, family things have come up. I can’t do this weekend. I hope you get home safe.” Despite knowing she wasn’t returning to Australia for a month, Jack didn’t try to reschedule.
Hayes suspected Jack’s excuse was fabricated but remained hopeful and flew to his hometown anyway, despite not knowing anyone else there. She posted her whereabouts online, hoping Jack would see, but he only watched her Instagram Stories without reaching out.
“No matter how you feel about the situation, ghosting is not an excuse. That’s the part I can’t wrap my head around. Just tell me it’s not going to work out,” she sighed.
Hayes stayed in a hostel with two Australian girls for four nights before leaving the country on June 20, feeling abandoned and panicked.
“I was blaming myself and thought I wasn’t good enough. I was self-blaming. But the way someone treats you is a reflection of themselves and not you. You just have to know your worth,” she exclaimed.
Later, Hayes found out Jack thought she was “coming on too strong” and didn’t want to get hurt because she lived in Australia. Disappointed by his lack of honesty, Hayes knew reconciliation was not an option.
“To leave someone in the dark like that is beyond crazy to me. I don’t know how you can do that. I think it’s awful — while they’re in your hometown,” she stated.
Despite the heartbreak, Hayes found solace in her new friends at the hostel, who got matching lemon tattoos with her after hearing her story.
“It’s very empowering. It’s kind of like a f–k you. For him, the tattoo’s still the same story but for me, it’s changed to a story of friendship and girlhood. He’s never going to forget me.”
Hayes’ trip didn’t go as planned, but she still cherished her time in Edinburgh, appreciating the new friendships and seeing Jack’s true colors.
“Just remember you’re a good person and that you’re loved. There’s so many other people out there. There’s a lot of love out there even if it’s not romantic love.”