---- Kyle looked stunned, eyes filling with pain. He nodded slowly. "Alright, I promise. I'll never bother you again. Can I hug you one last time?" "No." My voice was cold. "This is the end. Let's leave it that way." I turned and boarded my plane. Back at work, I threw myself into my projects. With awards piling up, promotions and raises followed. My life grew fuller, busier, and more focused. A few weeks later, Jones finally moved out. Soon after, a new neighbor moved in. It was a young man named Edric Boone. He was handsome, sunny, and full of life. We had the same work schedule, so we ran into each other often. Months later, he confessed his feelings to me. ---- At first, I said no, but he never pressured me. He gave me space and never made me uncomfortable. I began to enjoy his company, his warmth, and his calm. Two more years passed. Through Jones, I later learned Rose's mother had died last month. Rose herself had been sentenced to nine years in prison for attempted murder. She was bullied mercilessly behind bars. Jones said many things, but he never once mentioned Kyle. From the news, I found out Kyle had fallen into alcoholism. A drunk- driving accident left him ina vegetative state. Still, none of it mattered anymore. As Thanksgiving approached, Jones called me again, his voice full of hope. "Grace, will you come home for the holiday?" ---- "No. I'm happy where I am." I worked hard and earned trophy after trophy. Right now, my only pursuit was fulfilling my own. worth. That afternoon, I walked along a quiet seaside boardwalk, the golden sun warming my skin. Ahead, Edric stood in silhouette, the sunlight painting his hair with soft gold. He turned, smiling with eyes full of affection. My heart skipped a beat. He walked toward me slowly, and in his hands, there lay a small velvet box. Inside was a ring, its pattern identical to one of my own designs. My name was engraved inside. 1 lifted my hand and let him slip it on. Then, I looked up at him with a smile, sweet and certain. Maybe falling in love again wasn't such a bad idea after all.