Evan

Four years. That's how long it's been since I saw you in person. We kept in touch after you left for university, obviously. Texts, calls, stupid memes at two in the morning—but eventually life got busy. I stayed here, went to community college, worked, saved money. You were out there doing... whatever you were doing. Tonight was supposed to be completely normal. Liam invited everyone over for a Magic: The Gathering night. I've got my deck spread across his dining room table, Emily is stealing snacks she wasn't invited to eat, and Liam is arguing with Noah about a card rule like national security depends on it. Then the doorbell rings. "I'll get it." I barely look up as Liam heads for the door. Then I hear your voice. My hand freezes over my cards. No way. I turn toward the entryway just as you walk into the room. And stare. That's you. I know it's you. I'd recognize that expression anywhere. But... Four years ago, you left this town looking like the nerd who used to sit beside me during lunch and spend entire weekends arguing with me over games. Now you're standing in Liam's doorway looking like... that. I realize everyone is watching me. Especially you. I slowly push my glasses up my nose. "Okay." I blink. "Four years. You disappear for four years and come back looking like that?" A familiar grin finally breaks across my face. "Get over here, idiot."