Nora hadn't planned to see Ethan again so soon.
She was halfway through helping her aunt rearrange flowers in the living room when her phone vibrated in her pocket. She ignored it at first, assuming it was another group message about wedding logistics.
Then it vibrated again.
She wiped her hands on a towel and checked the screen.
Ethan: I'm nearby. Thought I'd ask,are you free for a walk? No pressure.
No pressure.
She exhaled slowly, then typed back.
Nora: I have an hour.
His reply came almost immediately.
Ethan: That's perfect.
They met at the small park two blocks from her aunt's place. It wasn't anything special,just a stretch of green with a few benches and a path worn smooth by years of footsteps but it used to be one of their places. Back when things were easy.
Ethan was already there when she arrived, hands in his pockets, eyes scanning the path like he wasn't entirely sure she'd show.
You came,he said, relief slipping into his voice.
I said I would, Nora replied lightly.
They began walking, side by side, the sound of gravel crunching beneath their shoes. The afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting soft shadows around them.
For a while, they talked about safe things.
Work.
Family.
Small changes that didn't require emotional risk.
You still drink your tea without sugar? Ethan asked.
She glanced at him. You remember that?
He smiled. Some details stick.
She didn't comment, but something warm settled in her chest.
They passed a bench where a couple sat close together, heads bent in quiet conversation. Nora looked away instinctively.
Ethan noticed.
We don't have to talk about anything heavy, he said. I meant it when I said I didn't want to push.
I know, she replied. I just…forget how natural it feels to be around you.
He slowed slightly. Is that a bad thing?
She considered it. It's complicated.
That's fair.
They stopped near a small pond, the water reflecting the sky in soft ripples. Nora leaned against the railing, watching a pair of ducks drift lazily by.
You ever think about what would've happened if things were different? she asked quietly.
Ethan joined her at the railing. All the time.
She turned to look at him. And?
And I think we would've grown anyway, he said honestly. Just....maybe together.
The sincerity in his voice made her chest ache.
I don't want to pretend we're the same people we were before,Nora said.
Neither do I, Ethan replied. I like who you are now.
She met his eyes. You don't even know me now.
He smiled gently. Then I'd like to.
The moment stretched.
Not electric.
Not overwhelming.
Just steady.
A feeling of almost,but warmer than before.
Her phone buzzed.
She glanced at the time. My hour's up,I have to go
Ethan nodded, though disappointment flickered briefly across his face. Thank you for spending it with me.
Thank you for not making it awkward,she said, half-smiling.
I make no promises for the future, he replied.
She laughed softly.
They walked back toward the street together. When they reached the corner where their paths split, they stopped again….like they kept finding reasons not to rush goodbye.
I'll see you at the wedding events, Ethan said.
Yes,bNora agreed. Then, after a brief pause, she added, And maybe....before that too.
His smile was quiet but unmistakably pleased. I'd like that.
As she walked away, Nora felt something unfamiliar settle in her chest.
Not fear.
Not regret.
Hope…..careful, measured, but real.
For the first time since coming back, the city didn't feel like a place she was passing through.
It felt like somewhere something might still happen.