My old school.
The one where Walter and I had met all those years ago.
Except it wasn’t a school anymore. It had been turned into a restaurant. A beautiful one with big windows and string lights.
I sat in my car, confused.
Why would she send me here?
I got out slowly and walked to the entrance. My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears.
For a moment, I stood alone in front of the door. Taking a breath. Preparing myself.
Then I pushed it open.
I got out slowly and walked to the entrance.
The moment I did, confetti rained down on me.
Streamers popped. Balloons floated everywhere. Music filled the air.
Not just any music. Jazz. The kind I used to love when I was a teenager.
Everyone was clapping.
My daughter was there. My son. Friends I hadn’t seen in years.
The crowd parted.
And there was Walter.
His arms spread wide open. A huge smile on his face.
Confetti rained down on me.
“Walter? What is this?”
He walked toward me, tears in his eyes.
“Do you remember the night I had to leave town? The night my father got transferred?”
“Of course I do. You were supposed to take me to prom.”
“But I never got the chance.”
“No. You left two days before.”
