The conversation flowed effortlessly. He shared small anecdotes from his life, details that at first glance seemed insignificant, but in his words, took on an unexpected depth. He spoke of his love for photography, of how he would lose himself in the city streets searching for spontaneous moments—glances, reflections in windows. Diana, in turn, found herself speaking of her own dreams, of her frustration with past relationships, and of how love had ceased to be a priority in her life. She didn't understand why, but with him, she felt she could truly be herself.
Though they had only just met, it felt as if she had known him for a long time, as though he had endured the same disappointments, the same doubts, and could understand her in a way few ever could.
Their exchange became a dance of words and comfortable silences, where every pause was an invitation to go deeper, to discover one another without fear. The afternoon slipped by without Diana noticing. When she finally glanced at the clock, she was surprised to see that hours had passed. She thought about how unusual it was for someone—a stranger—to awaken such interest in her.
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, taking small sips of his coffee, and felt a spark inside her, one she hadn't felt in years.
—Will we see each other again? —he asked before saying goodbye, his voice carrying a mix of doubt and hope.
Diana felt a knot form in her stomach. His words echoed with a quiet vulnerability she had long feared.
She thought of her promise never to open her heart again, to keep it guarded.
But she also thought of how comforting that moment had been, how a simple, honest conversation had somehow lightened the burden she carried.
—Maybe —she replied with a smile, not ready to commit fully, but not wanting to close the door either. And with that ambiguous answer, they said goodbye.
As she walked home in the rain, she felt a strange mix of emotions. A part of her wanted to see him again, despite the risks, despite her doubts.
Perhaps, she told herself, some people show up at just the right moment to remind us of what we had chosen to forget.