Stefan had always known this day would come. Ten years ago, during his senior prom, he made a promise to his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth, that they would meet again by the ocean. He held on to that vow through the passing of seasons, through job changes, and the gradual fade of high school memories. But now, standing on the shore at dawn, a cup of tea warming his hands, he couldn’t tell if he was more hopeful or terrified.
Waves shimmered under the rising sun, the brisk salt air filling his lungs. He glanced at his watch—just after nine. The breeze ruffled his hair, tugging gently at the edges of his jacket. Perhaps he was early. Or perhaps she wasn’t coming at all. A decade was a long time, enough for people to grow apart or move on entirely. Still, he waited, heart pounding at every figure he saw in the distance.
When someone finally approached, it wasn’t Elizabeth. A boy—no more than ten—walked up, eyes serious, looking like he had some important task to complete.
“Excuse me,” he said, voice steady despite his youth. “Are you Stefan?”
Stefan’s breath caught. “Yes,” he managed. “Who are you?”
“My name’s Nathan,” the boy answered. “My mom told me to find you here.”
Stefan’s mind raced. “Your mom?” he repeated, his throat dry. “Who is your mom?”
Before the boy could respond, another voice cut through the sound of the waves. “Nathan?”
Stefan turned, and there she was. Elizabeth. Her hair was shorter, touched with silver strands, and her face carried the subtle lines of time. But in her eyes, Stefan saw the same spark, the same warmth that had captivated him a decade ago.
“Elizabeth,” he said, the single word laced with surprise and relief.
She approached, placing a hand on Nathan’s shoulder. “I’m sorry,” she murmured, voice trembling. “I lost your letters when I moved, and I was too afraid to reach out. I—”
Stefan’s heart pounded. “I waited,” he said softly. “I kept thinking about our promise.”
Elizabeth nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. “I found out I was pregnant after I left. By then, I had no idea how to contact you. Time passed, and I didn’t know if you would even want to hear from me…”
Stefan’s gaze shifted to Nathan, taking in the boy’s dark hair and a faint resemblance he couldn’t ignore. “I had no clue,” he said, voice tight with emotion. “I would have been there, Elizabeth. For both of you.”
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