“Hello, Em, it’s you?” James’s familiar voice came through.
“Yeah,” she replied. “You still remember my number?”
“Looks like it. How’s Ethan? Did you talk to him?”
“I did. He’s happy,” Emily said, gazing at the night sky.
“Awesome. Wanna do another walk tomorrow?” James asked cautiously.
“No, we’re leaving tomorrow. I almost forgot myself. Good thing my phone reminded me,” Emily said, a bit sad the trip was ending.
“Man, so soon. I’m here three more days. No chance to meet tomorrow?”
“Just in the morning, briefly. And let’s meet alone. I told Ethan you’ll see him again after we’re back.”
“Why’d you rush that?”
“Today was intense. I think it’s better to take it slow, rebuild contact gradually.”
“You’re probably right. Where should we meet?”
“The garden courtyard by the hotel.”
“Cool. Good night, see you tomorrow.”
Emily fell asleep quickly, exhausted from a sleepless night and an emotionally charged day.
Early the next morning, as she quietly prepared to leave, Ethan mumbled sleepily, “Mom, where you going?”
“Just running an errand, back soon. Keep sleeping,” she said softly, closing the door.
She took the elevator and stepped into the cool morning, heading to the courtyard. James wasn’t there yet.
“Why’d I leave so early?” she chided herself. “Could’ve taken my time, now I’m just stressing.”
Soon, James appeared in a light suit and his signature wide-brimmed hat. “Hey! Been waiting long?” he asked, smiling.
“Nah, just a couple minutes.”
They sat on a bench, the air slightly tense. “You know, Emily, since we’ll be apart again, even if just for a bit, I gotta ask… Can you ever forgive me?” James asked quietly, his eyes pleading.
“Yes, I can,” Emily said evenly. “I’m not one to hold grudges forever. Why stay mad? For being weak? Weakness isn’t a crime. So live your life. I’m not angry.”
“You’re an incredible woman,” James said, sighing. “I couldn’t sleep, thinking about you and Ethan. Remember when he asked why we can’t live together again?”
“Yeah, he brought it up again last night.”
“So, maybe he’s right?” James asked hopefully. “If you’ve forgiven me, if we’re connecting with Ethan, maybe we could try again? What do you think?”
Emily paused, gathering her thoughts. “No,” she said softly, the word heavy.
The idea of reclaiming past happiness was tempting. Her feelings for James stirred again. But she held firm.
Emily remembered her promise on the beach: don’t repeat the same mistakes. Saying “yes” too soon would be just that. Everything was moving too fast. She’d only known this new James for a few days—not enough for serious commitment or living together. Forgiving was one thing; preventing new pain was another.
James didn’t argue with her refusal. He nodded slightly and sighed. “I get it. In your shoes, I probably wouldn’t forgive myself at all. But the fact that you did means a lot.”
“Just make sure my answer doesn’t stop you from being a dad to Ethan,” Emily said.
“Don’t worry. As soon as I’m back, I’ll reach out. Let me know when you get home safe, and let’s stay in touch.”
“Will do. Just don’t vanish again.”
“Not this time,” James said quietly.
Emily needed to get back to pack for the airport. They both felt the urge to hug goodbye but held back. Saying no to James was perhaps the hardest choice Emily ever made. She wasn’t one to refuse easily. But by overcoming her emotions, she proved to herself she could be strong, independent, and not ruled by feelings.
She started to walk away when James called out, “Wait, Emily. One more thing?”
“What?” she turned.
“This no… is it forever? Or do I still have a shot?”
“We’ll see,” Emily said briefly and hurried back to the hotel.
In the elevator, tears welled up. But they weren’t from sorrow or regret. They were tears of joy—for finding the strength to control her life and emotions. In these few warm summer days, Emily learned to see life anew, reconnected her son with his father, and preserved her independence, resisting the pull of a reckless reunion with James. She had become a new, confident woman.