The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm twilight glow over the neighborhood. Elma and Jack stood in the driveway, the silence between them growing more comfortable with each passing moment.
"Want to grab some coffee and catch up?" Liam asked, breaking the silence.
Elma hesitated, unsure if spending time with Liam was a good idea. But her curiosity about what had happened to him over the years won out. "Sure," she said, trying to sound casual.
As they walked to the local café, Elma couldn't help but notice the changes in Liam. He seemed more confident, more self-assured. She wondered what had brought about this transformation.
Over steaming cups of coffee, they talked about everything and nothing: their families, old friends, and favorite memories. The conversation flowed easily, like no time had passed at all.
But beneath the surface, Elma sensed a tension, a sense of unresolved history between them. She couldn't shake the feeling that Liam was holding something back.
As they sipped their coffee, Liam asked, "So, what made you come back to Willow Creek?"
Elma hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I just needed a fresh start, I guess," she said, trying to downplay the pain of her recent breakup.
Liam's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, Elma felt like he saw right through her. "I'm glad you're back," he said softly.
Elma's heart skipped a beat at the warmth in his voice. She couldn't help but wonder: Was Liam still hurt from their past? And did he still feel the same way about her?
As they finished their coffee, Liam glanced at his watch. "I have to get going soon, but I wanted to ask you something."
Elma's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"
"I was thinking of heading to the lake tomorrow to watch the sunset," Liam said. "Want to join me?"
Elma's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion. The lake had been one of their favorite spots, a place where they'd shared countless memories. She hesitated, unsure if she was ready to revisit such a significant part of their past.
But something about Liam's invitation felt different, like he wasn't just asking her to watch the sunset. It felt like he was asking her to reconnect, to rekindle something that had once burned brightly between them.
"Sure," Elma said finally, trying to sound casual. "I'd love to."
Liam's face lit up with a smile, and for a moment, Elma felt like she was 19 again, falling deeply in love with the boy next door.
As they parted ways, Elma couldn't shake the feeling that this sunset trip was just the beginning of something new. But what, exactly, she couldn't quite say.
The next day, Elma found herself standing in front of her closet, staring at her clothes with a sense of uncertainty. What did one wear to a sunset date with an old flame? She eventually settled on a simple sundress and sandals, feeling a flutter in her chest as she headed out the door.
As she drove to the lake, Elma wondered what the day would bring. Would they talk about the past, or focus on the present? And what did Liam's invitation really mean?
When she arrived at the lake, Liam was already there, waiting for her by the water's edge. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape.
"Hey," Liam said, smiling as she approached. "You look beautiful."
Elma's heart skipped a beat at the compliment. She felt a spark of attraction that she couldn't ignore.
As they stood there, watching the sun dip below the horizon, Elma realized that she was in trouble. She was falling for Liam all over again, and she wasn't sure if she was ready.