Elise spent the next day trying to piece together the remnants of her old life. She had a long list of things to sort out: her parents’ bank accounts, documents, and the mountain of belongings they left behind. After her father’s passing, it felt like her entire life was scattered in boxes that needed unraveling.
While she was on her way to the bank, she decided to call Amy, her former assistant from her old job. Though Elise no longer worked there, she and Amy had kept in touch. Their bond had evolved from boss and assistant to something more akin to friendship.
“Amy, I need your help sorting some of my parents' things out—accounts and whatnot. Can you pull some strings for me?”
Amy, ever the efficient helper, chuckled. “For you? Of course. I’ll make sure everything gets processed smoothly.”
As Elise walked through town, she noticed people staring at her. Whispers followed her, though she didn’t need to hear them to know what they were about. The prodigal daughter returns home—again. She kept her head down and continued her conversation with Amy, trying to ignore the attention.
“Don’t tell me people are already talking,” Amy teased, catching the pause in Elise’s voice.
Elise smiled despite herself. “Oh, they are. Small-town gossip never changes.”
After arranging everything at the bank and thanking Amy, Elise returned home to face the daunting task of unpacking and organizing the house. The day dragged on as she opened box after box, sifting through remnants of her parents' lives, until she couldn’t take it anymore.
In the evening, she called Amy again, this time to express her gratitude for all the help.
“Thanks again for today. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Anytime! Oh, by the way,” Amy began with a mischievous tone, “guess who’s been asking about you?”
“Who?” Elise asked, already bracing for the punchline.
“Your old boss! Well, the younger one. You know, the one you couldn’t stand?”
Elise groaned. “Oh, him? He’s still around?”
Amy laughed. “Yeah, and he’s still unbearable. But don’t worry, I didn’t tell him anything. You’re safe—for now.”
Elise laughed too, a momentary reprieve from the heaviness of the day. The light-hearted conversation was just what she needed before collapsing into bed. Little did she know that running into Nate again was just around the corner, and it wouldn’t be as light or easy.
--
The next morning, Elise decided it was time to step out and take a breather. She had been surrounded by moving boxes and old memories for days now, and the emotional weight of it all was starting to feel overwhelming. With just a few things left to unpack, she figured it wouldn’t hurt to get some fresh air and explore the town she once called home.
After grabbing her bag and slipping on a light jacket, she made her way to the main part of town. Walking along the familiar streets, she felt a mix of nostalgia and awkwardness. The faces she passed were both familiar and new, some turning in recognition, others whispering behind her as if surprised she had returned.
She soon ran into Olivia, an old friend from high school, who was chatting with a group of their former classmates. They greeted each other with smiles, but Elise felt out of place—Olivia and the others were discussing their kids, their families, their lives here in town. Elise found herself nodding politely but not quite feeling like she fit in anymore. After a few exchanges of pleasantries, she excused herself and continued down the street.
YOU ARE READING
If We Fall Again
Romance30-year old Elise is back in her old hometown. Her father just died and she's trying to navigate her new life between arranging her father's stuff, getting a new job and meeting her ex high school boyfriend. Elise Morgan is here and she may fall ag...
