Six years had passed since Charles died, and Laura had considered moving before, but life in Durham held her back. Her daughter, Melissa, had just given birth to her first child, and Laura wanted to be there for them. However, the thought of moving never truly left her mind. When Melissa announced her second pregnancy, Laura saw an opportunity. She didn’t want Melissa and her growing family to struggle with finding a bigger home or falling into debt. So, Laura offered them her family house in Durham, which was fully paid off and located in a top-notch school district.
Melissa, who had countless fond memories of her childhood home, accepted the offer immediately. “Are you sure you don’t want to live with us? There’s more than enough room for everyone,” Melissa suggested after Laura explained her plans to move to Miami.
“Yes, darling. You all need your space, and I need mine,” Laura replied, gently patting Melissa’s shoulder. “Besides, that apartment has been empty for far too long, and it’s perfect for someone my age. I also miss the beach—especially a warm beach.”
Moving was a challenge, but Laura quickly fell in love with Miami. She found comfort in knowing that Melissa and her family were now settled without the burden of a mortgage. Every morning, Laura would sit on her balcony, soaking in the warm sunlight and the salty breeze from the ocean. The doctors might warn against too much sun, but for Laura, that light and sea air were healing. She felt truly content with her decision.
One afternoon, as she was preparing a sandwich and some chips for lunch, the doorbell rang. Thinking it might be her neighbor, Mrs. Cardigan, who often dropped by for a chat, Laura removed her apron and went to answer the door. But it wasn’t Mrs. Cardigan standing there.
Laura’s eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat. Standing on her doorstep was Nathan, her first love—the love of her life, if she was being honest with herself. Decades had passed since she last saw him, yet here he was, looking older but still very much the man she remembered. Their love had been something out of a novel—passionate, intense, and at times, volatile. Nathan had always been a mystery, disappearing for days, weeks, or even months without explanation. And then, one day, he disappeared for good.
After a year of waiting, Laura had decided to move on with her life. She met Charles, married him, and Nathan became just a memory. But now, standing before her, was the man who had marked her heart so deeply. Questions raced through her mind: How did he find me? Why is he here after all these years? What does he want?
Finally, Nathan spoke. “Hey, Laura. How are you?”
“Hey? After more than 50 years, all you have to say is ‘Hey’? Why are you here, Nathan? How did you find me?” she demanded, unable to hide her disbelief and frustration.
“I know it’s been a long time. I want to explain everything. But can I come in?” Nathan asked, smiling that familiar, mischievous smile that still had the power to make Laura’s heart flutter.
Reluctantly, Laura stepped aside and let him in. They sat down, and Nathan began to tell his story. He explained that back in their 20s, his parents had arranged a marriage for him with the daughter of one of their wealthy friends. Nathan hadn’t wanted the marriage; he had fallen in love with Laura. But his parents would have disapproved, so he had to keep their relationship a secret. Whenever he disappeared, it was because of obligations to his arranged fiancée, Kiara, who demanded his attention and time. Despite this, Nathan always returned to Laura—until that final time.
Laura listened in shock as Nathan recounted how Kiara’s death in a car accident had further complicated his life. After losing her, he had gone back to find Laura, only to discover she had moved on with Charles. Seeing Laura happy with another man, Nathan decided not to interfere, believing it was too late.
Tears welled in Laura’s eyes as she processed Nathan’s words. She had waited for him for a year, not knowing he had tried to come back. But now, after all this time, he was here, hoping to reconnect. Nathan admitted that he never married or had children. He had moved to Miami in his 30s and had been living there ever since. For over 20 years, he had waited, hoping to see her again after spotting her parents around the neighborhood.
As they talked, the old feelings between them resurfaced. It started with simple conversations, but soon, the undeniable connection they shared rekindled. Despite the decades that had passed, their love for each other had never truly faded. It was like a flame that had dimmed but never extinguished, waiting for the right moment to burn bright once more.