The next day, she woke up feeling rested before her alarm even rang. The sun had been up for hours, and the birds were already in full song outside her window. In her dreams, he had been close to her, and the feeling lingered throughout the morning as she got ready for Elin's birthday party.

She was genuinely looking forward to seeing friends and family. Early summer was offering its very best weather, and the blooming lilac bushes added that unmistakable fragrance of a Swedish summer. She decided to focus on other things: the preparations, the small speech she had written for her friend, decorating the strawberry cake that, as every year, had become her responsibility. And not least, wrapping the gift—her favorite intimate care products tucked inside a beautiful blue gift bag, the perfect present for her friend.

Once she arrived and had hugged Elin and wished her a happy birthday, she could no longer hold it in.

"I saw him yesterday at the station," she said.

Elin immediately looked at her, her eyes shining with curiosity and something else. Was that concern she detected in her friend's gaze?

"What was it like? Tell me everything," Elin said eagerly.

"It was as if time had stood still. As if five years hadn't passed. As if I hadn't been engaged to someone else for three years. As if my feelings had only been paused, like I'd used a remote control."

She continued quickly.

"Paused, you know? Only to press play again..."

She sighed, covering her eyes with her hands as she sank into a kitchen chair.

"We even kissed," she mumbled.

Elin walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I understand. You two had something special for a long time. Maybe there's a way to—"

"No. Absolutely not," she interrupted quickly.

"I walked away from him yesterday. He doesn't even have my new number, and that's for the best."

"Okay, I understand. But can we agree to forget about him for today? It's summer, it's my party, and I want you to have fun."

Elin looked at her pleadingly, her eyes filled with empathy.

They smiled at one another and clinked their glasses of sparkling wine together.

The toast became a symbol. This day was for new memories, not old love.

Let it rust.

The party was a success. Friends and family ate well, raised their glasses, and laughed together, exactly as an early summer birthday celebration should be.

Yet despite the joyful atmosphere, she carried a persistent feeling in her chest—a mix of restlessness, sadness, and longing.

It hurt.

She shook her head as though trying to physically push the thoughts of him away.

Elin approached her again. She was glowing with happiness in that effortless way she often did. They exchanged a look, and suddenly Elin pulled her aside.

"You can't be angry with me," Elin began carefully, anxiety creeping into her voice and immediately making her nervous.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Well... we've been in contact recently. Him and me."

Elin fell silent for a few seconds, searching for the right words.

The uneasy feeling in her chest grew stronger.

What did this mean?

Elin and him?

Surely not.

"He knew you'd be there yesterday. At the station."

The words came out in a rush.

She let them sink in.

He knew.

As in, he had been waiting for her.

Shock washed over her, but so did something else.

Joy.

"I'm sorry. I know you didn't want to see him again. But he's been completely heartbroken. When he heard your engagement had ended, he contacted me. He asked questions, and... well, you know me. I always thought the two of you belonged together."

Elin hesitated before continuing.

"He's on his way here. Right now."

She looked at her nervously, trying to read her reaction.

The butterflies returned instantly, beating their wings with full force.

Was he really coming here?

Now?

Her heart skipped more than one beat, and she struggled to process what Elin had just said.

He was coming for her.

Before she could think any further, excited voices erupted outside among the guests.

She glanced through the window and spotted him immediately.

He greeted a few people politely but kept moving forward, away from the group of celebrating guests.

He walked along the gravel path, his eyes searching.

Looking for her.

A nervous flutter spread through her.

She stepped out onto the porch and met him there.

For a moment, they simply stood facing each other, once again taking in each other's presence.

And this time, she knew she wasn't going to let him go.

The embrace they shared was filled with love, hope, anticipation, and desire.

They were meant to meet again.