The sky was ablaze with hues of orange and pink as Elma arrived at the lake. Liam was already there, standing by the water's edge, his eyes fixed on the horizon. He turned as she approached, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"Hey," he said, his voice low and gentle.
Elma's heart skipped a beat as she smiled back. "Hey."
They stood side by side, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sound of birds chirping. It was a moment of perfect tranquility, one that Elma had missed dearly.
As the sun disappeared, Liam turned to her. "Remember that time we skinny-dipped in this lake?"
Elma's cheeks flushed at the memory. "How could I forget?"
Liam chuckled. "You were so mad at me for pushing you in."
Elma playfully rolled her eyes. "I was not mad. I was just... surprised."
Their laughter mingled with the fading light, and for a moment, they were back to their carefree younger selves.
As the stars began to twinkle in the sky, Liam turned to Elma. "I'm glad you're back," he said, his voice sincere.
Elma's heart fluttered at the words. She felt a spark of connection that she couldn't ignore. "I'm glad too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
The silence that followed was comfortable, like they were picking up where they left off years ago. Elma wondered if this was the start of something new, or a revisit of something old.
As they walked back to their cars, Liam asked, "Want to grab dinner with me? I know a great place that just opened up."
Elma's heart skipped a beat at the invitation. "I'd love to,"
Over dinner, they talked about everything from their favorite childhood memories to their dreams for the future. The conversation flowed effortlessly, like they were two pieces of a puzzle fitting together seamlessly.
As they laughed and shared stories, Elma couldn't help but notice the way Liam's eyes sparkled in the dim light of the restaurant. She felt a flutter in her chest, a sense of excitement that she hadn't experienced in a long time.
As the night wore on, Liam asked her about her life in the city, about her job and her friends. Elma opened up to him in a way she hadn't expected, sharing her struggles and her fears.
Liam listened intently, his expression empathetic. When she finished talking, he reached out and took her hand. "I'm here for you, Elma," he said, his voice low and gentle. "I'm here to listen, to support you."
Elma felt a rush of emotions at his words. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed having someone who truly understood her. As they sat there, hands entwined, she felt a sense of connection that she thought she'd lost forever.
As the night drew to a close, Liam walked Elma to her car. "Thank you for tonight," he said, his eyes locked on hers. "I've missed you."
Elma's heart skipped a beat at his words. She felt a spark of attraction that she couldn't ignore. "I've missed you too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Liam leaned in, his face inches from hers. Elma's heart pounded in her chest as she wondered if he was going to kiss her.
And then, just as suddenly, he pulled back. "I'll walk you home," he said, his voice casual.
Elma felt a mix of relief and disappointment. She wasn't sure what she wanted, but she knew she wanted to spend more time with Liam.
As they walked to her front door, Elma realized that she was standing at a crossroads. She could take a chance on Liam, on rekindling their old flame. Or she could play it safe, keep her distance.
What would she choose?