They say animals don’t feel love the way we do. But what this little bird did? It might make you think twice.

A pair of swallows had been flying low across the road when tragedy struck. The female, unable to pull up in time, was hit by a car. She fell hard onto the pavement, motionless.

But she wasn’t alone.

Her mate quickly swooped down beside her, visibly panicked. He chirped frantically and fluttered around her, nudging her gently with his beak—hoping, somehow, she’d respond.

When she moved slightly, he flew off and returned moments later with food in his beak. He tried to feed her, as if love and nourishment might be enough to keep her alive.

But it wasn’t.

He tried to lift her. Tried to get her off the road. Tried everything. And when nothing worked… he cried. Loud, desperate chirps that broke the hearts of everyone watching.

A photographer captured the scene—one that was supposed to belong to humans alone: heartbreak, helplessness, and grief.

He stood over her for a long time, wings spread wide, refusing to leave her side.

It was a love story. Just not the kind with a happy ending.