"I saw someone at the mall last week who looked just like you..." Ava said, as if she had just awakened from a dream.
Alex smiled sheepishly, seemingly embarrassed.
"It was me. I wanted to say hello, but I just couldn't muster the courage," he admitted.
Ava was somewhat surprised by his revelation.
"Why, though? Was it because it's been so long and you were afraid it might be awkward?"
"Perhaps it's the fear of nearing home. After all these years, the things I've longed for are about to come true, how could I not be nervous?" Alex spoke without looking at Ava.
Ava paused, a strange feeling spreading inside her, tightening her scalp and making her speech falter.
"Really? I...I thought you had forgotten about me."
