A Door Between Worlds

Elena hadn't responded to the email yet.

It sat in her inbox like a blinking invitation to a new life—clean, promising, and terrifying. She stared at it long enough for her vision to blur, long enough to start second-guessing everything.

She went for a walk.

The city buzzed around her, its usual rhythm oddly comforting. Her footsteps took her past the café where she and Aidan had once argued over coffee, then laughed about it ten minutes later. She found herself near the bookstore he'd taken her to during their uneasy truce, where she caught him watching her more than reading.

Memories layered over the streets like fogged glass. They didn't hurt, not anymore. But they reminded her of something critical—how far she'd come. How far they'd come.

Her phone vibrated.

Aidan: Meet me at the rooftop. If you want.

Elena stared at the message. It didn't say why. It didn't try to convince her. It just left the door open.

She went.

The rooftop wasn't anything special—a quiet spot above his apartment where they used to escape the noise. Tonight, the wind was crisp, the city lights a scattered sea beneath them. He was already there, hands in pockets, eyes fixed on the skyline like he was trying to find answers in the glow.

"You came," he said softly.

"I always do," she replied.

He looked at her then, with an intensity that made her chest tighten. "I want you to listen. No interruptions. Just let me say this."

She nodded.

"I spent most of my life building walls. I used anger and pride like bricks. Then you came and knocked half of them down just by existing. I hated you for it at first. But now?" He paused, voice cracking. "Now I thank God every day for your stubborn heart."

Her breath caught.

"I don't care where you go or what job you take," he continued. "But I want to be part of your life. Even if it's from miles away. Even if we have to relearn each other through phone calls and weekend flights. I'm in—completely. I just need to know if you are too."

Elena closed the distance between them. "You make it sound easy."

"It won't be. But it'll be worth it."

She searched his face, found the truth there. Not perfect. Not polished. Just real.

"I haven't replied to the offer yet," she whispered.

"I know."

"But I will. And when I do…" She took a deep breath. "I want you in it. All of it."

He stepped forward, brushing his hand down her cheek. "Then let's do this. No games. No running. Just us."

And under a sky that had seen their worst and their best, Elena kissed him—not out of fear or longing, but out of choice.