New Job, New Continent

You're still tangled in sheets with Clara, both of you giddy with post-engagement bliss, when you reach for your phone on the nightstand.

"Let's call him now," you suggest, angling the screen so Clara can see as you dial David's number. "I want to hear his reaction."

Clara nestles against your chest, her engagement ring catching the afternoon light as she positions herself to be heard. "And find out what this mysterious news is."

David picks up on the third ring, his voice slightly breathless. "Matt, hey. Everything alright? Dinner's not for hours."

"Everything's better than alright," you reply, unable to keep the excitement from your voice. "You're on speaker with Clara."

"Hi, David," Clara chimes in, wiggling her fingers though he can't see the ring. "We have some news that couldn't wait."

There's a pause, then David's laugh fills the room. "Christ, you two beat me to it, didn't you? Please tell me one of you finally proposed."

"How did you know?" you ask, genuinely surprised.

"Because I've watched you both moon over each other for six months," David replies. "So who asked whom?"

Clara grins up at you. "Matt went full romance novel on me. Down on one knee in his boxers with a Trinity knot ring."

"Of course it's a Trinity knot," David says, his voice softening. "Congratulations, both of you. I can't think of two people who deserve happiness more after... everything."

The unspoken reference to your transformation hangs between the three of you for a moment—the shared secret that bonded you all together.

"So what's your news?" you ask, steering the conversation forward. "Clara thinks you're planning to propose to Zara tonight."

David's hesitation is palpable even through the phone. "Not... exactly. Look, I was going to save this for dinner, but since we're doing revelations—I've been offered a position heading up the New York office."

Clara's fingers tighten around yours, though her expression remains carefully neutral.

"New York?" you repeat, the word feeling heavy. "That's... wow. When would you go?"

"March 1st if I accept," David says. "It's an incredible opportunity, but..."

"But what?" Clara prompts gently.

David sighs. "But after everything we've been through, Matt... I wasn't sure how to tell you. It feels weird to just... go. Like I'm abandoning you after witnessing the most insane thing that's ever happened to either of us."

The admission catches you off guard. You'd been so focused on your relationship with Clara that you hadn't considered how deeply the transformation experience had cemented your bond with David.

"You're not abandoning me," you say firmly. "We're not defined by what happened. We're still us."

"And Zara?" Clara asks. "Is she going with you?"

"She's been offered a transfer to their New York office too," David admits. "We've been talking about it all week. That's actually why I wanted tonight to be special."

"This is good news," you insist, meaning it despite the pang of knowing your friend will be an ocean away. "We should be celebrating both things tonight."

"Are you sure?" David asks, the relief in his voice evident. "I was worried you'd think I was running away from... everything."

"The only thing you're running toward is an amazing opportunity," you reply. "And hey, Clara and I will need somewhere to stay when we visit New York."

Clara suddenly sits up straight, her eyes brightening. "Actually, I have an idea about that. David, can Zara hear this call?"

"She's in the shower," David says. "Why?"

Clara looks at you, a question in her eyes. You nod, catching her meaning immediately.

"Matt's moving in with me," she announces. "Why don't you keep the Putney flat? As your London place. For visits, holidays..."

There's a stunned silence before David laughs. "Are you serious? That would be... perfect, actually. We were just talking about whether to keep a foothold in London."

As the conversation continues, details flowing easily between old friends planning new futures, you marvel at how the strangest transformation of your life has led to this perfectly ordinary happiness—an engagement, a friendship strong enough to span oceans, and the promise of more ordinary miracles to come.

15:05 | Saturday 14 February 2026 | Matt's Flat, Putney