A few years after losing her husband, Laura decided to move into her parents’ old apartment in Miami. She had been there only a month when her first love, Nathan, appeared at her door. Their relationship had always been full of mystery until he simply vanished. Finally, Laura was about to learn the surprising reason why.
About a month ago, 78-year-old Laura made the bold decision to move into her parents’ old apartment in Miami. They had bought it when they retired, and Laura inherited it when they passed away. But Laura’s life was in Durham, North Carolina, so for years, her family used the place as a vacation retreat.
She considered moving after her husband, Charles, died six years ago, but it never happened. Her daughter, Melissa, had just had her first child, and Laura didn’t want to leave them. Yet, the thought of the apartment lingered in her mind.
When Melissa announced she was expecting her second child, Laura made a generous offer. She didn’t want them to struggle with a bigger house’s debt, so she gave them her family home. It was spacious enough for a growing family and was in a great school district.
Melissa had wonderful memories from childhood, so she accepted quickly. “Are you sure you don’t want to live with us? There’s enough room,” Melissa suggested when Laura mentioned her move to Miami.
“Yes, darling. You need your space, and I need mine. That apartment has been empty for too long. It’s perfect for retirees, and I miss the beach so much,” Laura replied, smiling and patting Melissa’s shoulder.
Moving was tough, but Laura loved Miami. She was relieved that Melissa and her family wouldn’t have to worry about rent or a mortgage since her old house was fully paid off.
Laura enjoyed sitting on her balcony furniture every morning, allowing the sun to warm her skin. Despite doctors warning about too much sun exposure, she believed the light and sea air had a healing quality. She couldn’t have been more satisfied with her decision.
One afternoon, while making a sandwich, her doorbell rang. She thought it was her neighbor, but instead, it was Nathan, her first love. If she was honest, Nathan was the love of her life. Over the years, she often reminisced about him, even though she dearly loved her husband. Nathan had left a lasting mark on her heart.
They were both in their twenties, and their love felt like something out of a novel—passionate, intense, almost legendary. But it was also volatile. Some would call it toxic. Yet, Laura was deeply in love.
Their biggest hurdle was Nathan’s mysterious behavior. She knew little about his life or family but didn’t mind, even when he frequently vanished for days, weeks, and even months. Attempts to question him were always dodged, so she eventually stopped asking.
One day, Nathan left her apartment with a smile and never returned. She waited, with no way to reach him. After a year of hoping, Laura decided to move on. She met Charles, got married, and Nathan became a fond memory.
Yet, here he was, on her doorstep, as if no time had passed. Questions filled her mind as she stared at him. How did he find me? What’s he doing here? Does he think we’re still 20?
Finally, Nathan broke the silence. “Hey, Laura. How are you?”
“Hey? It’s been over 50 years, Nathan. Why are you here? How did you find me?” she asked, still in shock.
“I know. I want to explain everything. But will you let me in?” he asked with a smile that still made her heart skip a beat. Though aged, he was still Nathan.
“Fine. Come in,” Laura responded, crossing her arms as she guided him inside.
“How have you been all these years?” Nathan asked after sitting down.
“I don’t have time for small talk, Nathan. I want real answers this time. Either you start talking, or you leave,” Laura said firmly, sitting across from him.
“This isn’t easy,” Nathan began. “But my parents didn’t want me dating. When I turned 20, they arranged a marriage for me. I didn’t want it. I fell in love with you. So, I pretended. When I disappeared, I was with her, Kiara. She liked to travel and was very demanding. But my heart was yours.”
Laura’s jaw dropped as he continued. “I only acted like I wanted the marriage. Kiara knew I wasn’t interested, but she demanded my attention and time. I worried she might tell my parents about you if I didn’t comply.”
“I waited for a year, Nathan. And you were cheating on me all along,” Laura said emotionally.
“I wasn’t! I swear I wasn’t! My relationship with Kiara wasn’t romantic. She forced my time, and if I didn’t comply, she might have revealed everything to my parents,” Nathan explained.
Laura reflected on his words. “So why didn’t you return for so long?” she asked quietly.
“That year was overwhelming. I was graduating, my father got me an internship, and Kiara planned our wedding. Then, Kiara died in a car crash. Things got complicated. I helped her parents since they thought I was her fiancé. After some time, I went back for you,” Nathan said, looking down.
“What do you mean ‘went back?’ When did you return?” Laura asked.
“I went to your house and saw you with another man. I didn’t know who he was to you but knew I couldn’t show up after so long. For a month, I visited daily and always saw him. So, I stopped going. Later, I heard you married,” Nathan revealed.
“Yes, that was my husband, Charles.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“What happens now?” Laura asked.
“I hoped to explain everything and maybe start a friendship,” Nathan suggested.
“How did you find me here?”
“I moved to Miami in my 30s. I waited for you in case you ever came. I saw your parents around and found out where they lived. When they passed, I noticed you didn’t sell the apartment. So, I waited,” Nathan explained.
Laura was astonished. Nathan never married or had kids, waiting for her for over 20 years. “Would you like a sandwich, Nathan?” she offered, lightening the mood.
Soon enough, Nathan started visiting daily. They began as friends, chatting about everything. But in time, they couldn’t deny their feelings. Despite the years, their love reignited.
What can we learn from this story?
Your first love can change your life. It can leave you with lessons and memories, some bittersweet. Also, secrets can break relationships. Nathan’s hidden life eventually ended his relationship with Laura.
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