This is how the story ends.

Red Ribbon

Driving home alone trying to hold back tears. Feeling so hopeless at this moment. When I finally made it home, I dropped all my bags on the cold floor and sat by the kitchen table. The sobs escaped my body like a flood. Sitting there, feeling cold, and alone. I strangely feel a sense of relief. Maybe this is for the best, I said to myself.

The next morning

After ignoring Ryan's texts, I finally answered back. In one of his texts, he told me to open my door. So, I walked up to my door, and what I saw brought tears to my eyes. I was utterly shocked to see a black box with a beautifully red ribbon tied into the most perfect bow I have ever seen. When my eyes laid on the babyish blue notebook that had an engraved blue bird on the cover, that's when I lost it and started to cry. No one knows how much this means to me. Writing is my favorite thing to do. It is all I ever dreamed of. It's what makes me happy. Writing Is what makes me who I am. I also noticed a blue pen in the box. On the pen, I saw my name and the year 2024 engraved on it which sparked something inside of me. I lastly opened the note and read it.

"Isabella, I hope you like your gift. P.S. Can we start over?" Signed, Ryan.

I quickly grabbed my phone and texted Ryan and said, I want to start over too. I also asked him if he wanted to go out for dinner. I blushed when he texted back and said yes. Ryan sent me the address to the restaurant we went to, many months ago.

It's now fall. Leaves fall, getting brushed against the strong force of wind. I peered through the window and the almost bare trees, swaying back and forth, slowly losing their beauty. Before the first snowfall casts them out.

It was almost time to leave for dinner. I quickly grabbed my cardigan and the boots that were beneath my bed and headed out the door. Leaving my past behind me. When I got in the car, I looked at the reviewed mirror and the words became a saying.

I let my hair grow long just like I let my problems slip out of the palm of my hand.

I walked into the restaurant and in the corner of my eye, I saw him waiting at a table, with flowers in his hands. I slowly walked towards the table and he noticed my presence and smiled. We both talked about our past and the stories of our childhoods. So, how did you know I'm a writer? I said hesitantly.

"Well, to tell you the truth I just knew."

My cheeks got all rosy when I heard him say those words out loud. Once our food came, we both started sharing stories about our past & childhoods.  I could feel the connection between us grow as we tell the storylines of our history. Slowly, all the haunted thoughts became white noise, whenever I was around Ryan. Everything fits right into place. By the time we left the restaurant, it was pitch black out and the tiredest of the day was already wearing me down. Moving the key to open the door finally felt right for once.

"Do you want to watch a movie on the couch to finish the evening?" Ryan had mentioned when grabing a bottle of wine from the fridge

I would love to.

Halfway through the movie, I heard faint snoring beside me. Seeing Ryan sleeping so peacefully makes me want to lose myself and snuggle right next to him.

(Ryan )

The sun shining through the curtain is what woke me up from the heavy deep sleep I was in. I yawned and stretched as I got up from the couch, and headed straight to the kitchen to make coffee and pancakes. The kitchen smelled like fluffy buttery cinnamon pancakes and freshly brewed coffee just like if you were to walk into a coffee shop. Once I finished cooking the pancakes I placed them on a plate. As I walked over to the kitchen I saw Isabella standing in her plaque pajamas smiling at me. She went to me put her arms around me and said "Good morning honey. Thanks for making breakfast."

This is my way of showing how much I care about you.

As we were eating our breakfast and drinking our coffee, I asked Ryan if he wanted to go out since it was Saturday. He agreed. So we decided to go out shopping around town. While walking around, I couldn't help but notice everyone staring at us. As we walked into the door of a shop, I got a call from Mom.

"Isabella, the whole town is buzzing about you holding hands with that boy. When were you going to tell me you're dating someone?"

Mom, you had to call me about this?

"Well, you never tell me anything about your life!"

Mom, I'm an adult now. I don't need to tell you everything about my personal life. Besides, I was going to tell you during Christmas dinner.

"I know you know how much I care and worry about you."

Yes, I do. I gotta go now.

"Bye, sweetie. I love you."

I love you too.