Winter break is almost over

A couple of weeks passed, and winter break was almost over.

My routine had settled back into something familiar. I worked out, took care of the things I needed to, and enjoyed having the campus mostly to myself. Jenna and I had stayed in touch after that night, though we hadn’t seen each other again.

One afternoon, I was sitting in my room when my phone buzzed.

I glanced at the screen.

The name caught me completely off guard.

Rachel.

For a moment, I just stared at it.

I hadn’t heard from her since the day at the church.

I opened the message.

Rachel: Hey, Ethan. John and all the men from church went on a winter retreat. He took the kids with him, so I’m here by myself.

A second message appeared.

Rachel: I’ve been thinking about the last time you were here.

I leaned back in my chair.

Then another message came through.

Rachel: I haven’t been able to forget about it.

I read it twice.

Then my phone buzzed again.

Rachel: The house is completely empty. If you want to come over, I’d like to see you.

I sat there quietly, staring at the screen.

Rachel was the last person I’d expected to hear from.

And yet, after everything that had happened between us, the invitation didn’t feel entirely surprising.

I typed a response.

Me: Are you sure?

Her reply came almost immediately.

Rachel: Yes.

I looked at the message for another moment.

Then I put my phone down and leaned back in my chair, already thinking about whether I should go.