The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow through the bedroom window. The room was warm, wrapped up in the aftermath of passion. Sheets tangled, legs intertwined, they lay there—two soulmates who had found peace in each other's arms.
Erica traced the contours of Anthony's chest, her fingers rubbing across the faint scars that told stories of battles fought and won. His eyes were half-closed, a contented smile playing on his lips. They had met in the neighborhood where they were neighbors across the street from each other, drawn together once they spoke to each and from then on they shared friendship. shared by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the serendipity of shared laughter.
Their connection had been instant, like two puzzle pieces sliding into place. Anthony the storyteller, his words weaving magic around Erica's heart. She, an nurse, but had a passion for writing stories, writing the essence of their love on every line.
Tonight, though, was different. The air held a hint of uncertainty, a whisper of secrets yet to be revealed. Erica's phone was on the nightstand by the bed, its screen lights came on. She had silenced it, wanting nothing to intrude this steamy moment.
But then it happened—the ringing of her phone had made things come to slight pause. Anthony didn’t stop what he doing not worrying about it at the moment, Erica's had the pillow over her head ignoring her phone.
As they continue to lay in bed her phone started ringing again five more times and text messages.
Anthony started thinking who would call at this hour?
She reached for the phone, her fingers trembling. The screen brightened the whole room, revealing a single message:
Unknown Number: "Remember me, Erica? It's been a while."
Erica's breath hitched. The sender's name was absent, but the words brought up memories. She hadn't heard from Russell, her high school sweetheart, in years. They had parted ways after a bitter argument, their love torn apart by pride and stubbornness.
Anthony watched her, a concern look was on his face. "Who was that?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Erica hesitated, torn between the past and the present. She had moved on, found happiness with Anthony. But Russell's message was like a ghost from another lifetime, demanding to be acknowledged.
"An old friend," she replied, her voice barely audible. "Someone I thought I'd never hear from again."
Anthony sat up, pulling her close. "You don't owe him an explanation," he said. "Not tonight."
But Erica's curiosity wouldn’t let it go. She typed a reply:
Erica: "Why now, Russell?"
Seconds turned into minutes. The room held its breath. Then, the phone buzzed again:
Unknown Number: "Because I never stopped loving you."
Erica's heartbeat rises. She glanced at Anthony, who watched her with eyes full of understanding. The past and present collided, and she had to choose.
As the clock struck 3:00 am, Erica made her decision. She silenced her phone, placed it back on the table, and turned to Anthony.
"Tell me a story," she said, her voice steady. "A story about love with unexpected twists."
Anthony smiled, then kissed her on her forehead. "Once upon a time," he began, "there were two souls who found each other outside in their front yards across the street from each other…"
And as he told the story of love, Erica listened, knowing that sometimes, the unexpected twist was not in the past but in the present—a choice made, a heart set free, and a love rekindled under the moon's watchful gaze.