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Ethan nods understandingly. “Well, if there’s anything I can do to help, let me know.”
His sincerity touches me, and I offer a grateful smile. “I appreciate that, Ethan. Let’s enjoy the rest of our time together.”
As the day unfolds, the bakery becomes a sanctuary of shared moments and subtle glances. Yet, beneath the surface, the echoes of the past cast a shadow on the present.
Later that evening, as I close up and reflect on the day’s events, I can’t shake the heavy feeling that lingers within me. The reunion with Cade, the wedding rehearsals, and now, witnessing his quiet departure—each moment seems to tug at the threads of a past that refuses to fade away.
***
SEVEN YEARS AGO
The air is filled with the warmth of a summer evening I walks hand in hand with nineteen-year-old Cade. Although we’ve been friends all through childhood, we’ve been dating for close to five months, and the bond we share feels invincible. Cade’s frequent declarations of love and promises of a future together create a sense of security that envelops us.
As my nineteenth birthday approaches, a subtle shift in Cade’s demeanor becomes palpable. He’s distant, lost in thoughts that he doesn’t share. When I confront him, his eyes reflect a conflict that leaves me uneasy.
“What’s going on, Cade?” I ask, my voice a mix of concern and confusion.
He sighs, his gaze searching for the right words. “Aria, I’ve been thinking a lot about the future. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life in this small town, doing some mediocre job and feeling unfulfilled.”
His words hang in the air, a heavy silence settling between us. I can sense the weight of his aspirations, but a growing unease creeps into my heart.
“What about us?” I finally manage to voice the question that lingers in my mind.
Cade’s expression tightens, as if struggling to find the right balance. “I want to go to the city, try to make a name for myself. I’m not sure I’ll want come back anytime soon.”
His revelation leaves me stunned, my heart sinking with the realization that our paths might be diverging. Panic sets in as I realize the implications for my own dreams.
“But what about me?” I blurt out, desperation coloring my voice.
Cade glances at me, his eyes holding a mix of sincerity and uncertainty. “You can come with me, Aria. We could work there, build a life together.”
The impracticality of his suggestion dawns on me. The city is a realm of opportunities, but I have always wanted to stay in our beloved small town. I feel a pang of inadequacy, a sense of being left behind.
“I can’t just uproot my life and follow you,” I protest, my voice tinged with frustration. “What kind of work would I do? You know I’ve always wanted to open a bakery here in our hometown.”
Cade’s gaze flickers, a subtle hint of frustration clouding his eyes. “Aria, you need to be more ambitious. The city offers so much more. You could do more than just open a bakery.”
His words feel like a judgment, a silent reproach for my perceived lack of ambition. The silence that follows is suffocating, our intertwined hands now carrying the weight of unspoken truths.
“I need to focus on my goals, Aria. I can’t come back for a couple of years,” he confesses, the distance in his eyes growing more pronounced.
Tears well up in my eyes as the harsh reality sets in. “So, this is it? You’re leaving, and I’m supposed to wait?”
Cade hesitates, his gaze shifting away. “Aria, I need to do this. I don’t expect you to wait for me. We both need to follow our dreams.”
The words cut deep, and a profound sense of loss settles within me. The promises of forever crumble, replaced by the inevitability of a farewell.
Days later, Cade leaves for the city, leaving behind a void that echoes with the shattered dreams of our shared future. The pain of that parting lingers, a wound that time struggles to heal.
***
The next morning, I find myself drawn to the vibrant bustle of the town’s market. The cheerful chatter and colorful stalls create a lively backdrop, temporarily easing the heaviness within. I encounter familiar faces, exchanging pleasantries and catching up on the latest news.
As I browse through a display of vibrant flowers, a sense of nostalgia tugs at my heart. The memory of Ethan’s gesture, bringing flowers the day before resurfaces. Determined not to let the complexities of the past overshadow the budding connection with Ethan, I select a bouquet of vibrant blooms.
With the flowers in hand, I decide to surprise Ethan at the small coffee shop where he often enjoys his morning coffee.
I enter and spot Ethan seated near the window, engrossed in a book. The bell chimes as I step inside, drawing his attention. His eyes light up as he sees me, and I can’t help but feel a sense of joy at the simplicity of the moment.
