As movers brought in the final boxes, sunlight streamed through the gauzy curtains into the apartment. Amid half-open suitcases, framed pictures, and piles of books, Hope stood barefoot in the center of the living room. She had a coffee mug in her hand that said, "Start Somewhere," which Lucas had given her on their first official date following his divorce.
She was now in the center of their house.
Lucas approached her from behind, his arms effortlessly encircling her waist. "Are you still debating whether to arrange your books by chaos or by color?"
She grinned and leaned back against him, saying, "Chaos, of course." "Color-coding is overly courteous."
He laughed and kissed her on the temple. "It feels good."
"Yes," she concurred. "It seems like the ideal start."
Along with setting up their cozy chaos—his art next to her assortment of scented candles, her plants next to his espresso machine—they spent the afternoon unpacking and laughing at old college pictures. Gradually, every area of the apartment became a shared, authentic space.
Later that night, after Hope had dozed off on the couch covered in throw pillows and packing paper, Lucas took his phone and went out onto the balcony. In front of him, the city lights glistened like promises.
He paused as he scrolled down to a name he recognized: Lorna.
Then he typed slowly:
Lucas:Hello. I simply wanted to express my gratitude for letting me go. for showing kindness in the face of difficulty. I became the man I needed to be with your help. Wherever your journey leads you, I sincerely hope the best for you.
After a moment of staring at the message, he clicked send.
After that, there was an odd calm—no regret, no desire. Just some clarity.
Hope sat up and rubbed her eyes as she stirred inside. "Did I overlook something?"
Lucas grinned as he entered again. "Me alone, creating space for the new."
She opened her arms and stretched. "Then come, give me space."
And he did, sinking into the couch next to her and enveloping her in his presence, warmth, and everything he had previously been reluctant to offer.
Because he wasn't clinging to what was this time.
He was making a decision to stay in the present.