One evening, as Debbie is studying for an upcoming exam, her phone rings. The name on the screen causes her heart to skip a beat—Felix. She hesitates, her fingers hovering over the screen. Part of her wonders if it's a sign that she's ready to face him again. But then, another part of her realizes that she doesn't need to rush back into that world. She's not the same person she was when she left it behind. She lets the call go to voicemail.
Felix's message is simple, but the tone in his voice is clear. "Debbie, I… I don't expect you to pick up, but I want you to know I'm thinking about you. I respect your decision to step away, and I just hope you're okay. I miss you."
She listens to the message, feeling a pang of sadness, but it's different this time. It's not the same ache of longing or regret. It's a reminder that she's moving forward, and that's all that matters.