Echoes of Yesterday

Part 34 - When Hearts Align

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in warm hues of amber and rose, Eric and I sat close, savoring the quiet comfort between us. The soft orange light cast shadows around us, making everything feel surreal, as if we were the only two people left in the world.

Just as I started to get lost in the moment, my phone pinged, breaking the stillness. I glanced down and saw a text from my mom: "It's sun downing. Come home quick."

I sighed, the spell of tranquility slipping away, and turned to Eric. "Looks like my mom's calling me home," I said, showing him the message with a half-smile.

He chuckled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. "Alright, princess," he said, his voice tender. "Let's get you home before the sun completely disappears on us."

We climbed back into his car, and as he drove, silence fell between us. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, though. Instead, it felt like we were both soaking up the remnants of the evening, carrying the peace of it forward with us.

As we pulled up to my house, I could see my parents watching from the living room window, their silhouettes framed by the glow of the lights inside. I turned to Eric, hesitating for a moment, not quite ready to say goodbye.

"Thank you, Eric," I said softly, searching his face. "For everything."

He smiled, reaching over to squeeze my hand. "Anytime, Daisy. You don't have to thank me. Just... take care of yourself tonight, alright?"

I nodded, giving his hand one last squeeze before letting go and stepping out of the car. As I walked toward the house, I heard him call out, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," I replied, turning back to wave as he pulled away, his car disappearing into the darkening street.

I felt my parents' eyes on me as I walked in, my mom reaching out to pull me into a hug. "Glad you're home," she whispered. My dad offered me a gentle pat on the back, his way of saying he cared, even without words.

Turning back, I caught one last glimpse of Eric's taillights vanishing into the night, carrying with them the lingering warmth of our shared sunset.

At dinner, I sat across from my parents, feeling the quiet buzz of the day still humming within me. 

The warm, familiar smells of my mom's cooking filled the room, grounding me in a way that I hadn't realized I needed. My parents exchanged a few glances, each one laced with curiosity, until finally, my dad cleared his throat and looked at me.

"So," he started, carefully, "we saw Eric dropped you off earlier."

I knew this was my moment, and for the first time, I didn't feel a hint of fear or hesitation. Looking at them both, I spoke, feeling the words come naturally, like a breath of fresh air. "I love him, Mom, Dad. We're together. Eric and I."

There was a pause, but it wasn't filled with tension. Instead, it felt like something warm and gentle unfolding. My mom's face softened, her eyes lighting up with something between relief and happiness. "Oh, honey," she said, reaching across the table to take my hand, "we're happy for you. Truly."