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“He’s been there a week already,” I replied, a touch of longing creeping into my voice. I imagined Ben in our new rental home, setting up furniture and arranging our belongings, while I was still miles away, packing. “His new company gave him a generous moving stipend, so he had movers to do most of the packing up of his house. Not as lucky as me, huh?” I added with a chuckle, trying to mask the wistfulness that threatened to take over.
Maya laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’ll manage. If we can get the U-Haul packed today, you can set off first thing in the morning.” Her hands moved deftly, folding another shirt and adding it to the growing pile. She sighed sadly, giving me a melancholy look. “And then you’ll be gone. I’m going to miss you, Leo.”
Maya’s words tugged at my heartstrings. “I’ll miss you too, Maya. And everyone else here.” I paused, my eyes lingering on the room that held so many cherished memories. “But I’m excited too. My family has already planned to spend the holidays in Phoenix with us.” I’d said goodbye to my family the day before, and while I knew it would be hard not seeing them every weekend, we’d stay close no matter the distance.
“Sounds like you’ll have a full house,” Maya said, offering me a comforting smile as she continued packing. “Guess that means I’ll have to come for New Year’s Eve.”
I nodded. “Please come whenever you can.”
As the evening settled in, Maya and I found ourselves on the couch, and we scrolled through Netflix, searching for the perfect show to watch on our last night together. The scent of pizza wafted through the room, a comforting smell that felt like somehow nostalgic already—and I hadn’t even left town.
After finally landing on an old favorite sitcom, we laughed together, each joke a balm to the ache of impending separation.
“I can’t believe you’re leaving tomorrow,” Maya said wistfully, stroking Chata’s soft fur. “I’m really going to miss this.”
“Me too,” I admitted. “But you’ll come visit, right?”
“Of course,” she promised, her voice steady and reassuring. “You won’t be able to keep me away.”
The next morning, I woke up early, eager to hit the road. The sun peeked out on the horizon, promising clear skies for my trip, and as I did one last inspection of the U-Haul attached to my truck, packed to the brim, I took a deep breath before climbing into my truck and pulling out onto the street.
My anticipation hummed like an electric current under my skin as I embarked on the long journey to Phoenix.
Mile after mile, my thoughts drifted to Ben and our new life together. The love we shared was a beacon that called me home, guiding me through the vast desert landscape.
I couldn’t make the whole trip in one day, so I spent the night in El Paso. “You gonna greet me naked at the door?” I asked him when Ben called me that evening, as I stretched across my hotel bed. “So, we can christen the new place right away?”
Ben snorted. “We’ll have plenty of time for that, hon. But—there will be a surprise for you.” Curiosity piqued, I pestered Ben for clues, but he wouldn’t tell me. “You’ll see when you get home.”
Home.
I pulled into Phoenix around noon the next day. The sight of the house, with its terracotta walls and vibrant bougainvillea climbing towards the tiled roof, took my breath away. It was even more stunning than the pictures had shown, and I couldn’t wait to see the inside.
Ben’s SUV was in the driveway, so I parked my truck and U-Haul in front of the house. Stepping out of the truck on shaky legs, I stretched my stiff muscles.
But Ben was nowhere to be seen.
As I approached the front door, I noticed a small envelope taped to it. Inside was a handwritten note in Ben’s neat script: Welcome home, Leo! Your journey begins here. Head to the kitchen.
Ben did love these little gestures. I took the card and walked inside.
My eyes widened as I entered the cool, dim interior of the home. Ben's sofa and living room set were set up, though his large flat-screen tv hadn't been mounted yet. The sleek kitchen came into view, sunlight streaming in through the windows. Boxes marked ‘dishes’ and ‘coffee mugs’ stood unpacked on the counter, but on the granite island sat a vase bursting with sunflowers.
Beside it, another note: Like the sunflower, I will always turn towards you. Now go relax on the patio.
I smiled, picturing Ben fussing over the romantic gestures. It wasn’t like the Ben I had thought I’d known for so many years, but Mangle had introduced me to a new and different Ben, who appreciated the romantic gesture.
I stepped outside into the backyard, taking in the large shade trees and a sparkling pool. The covered patio had room for an outdoor seating set, and I imagined us spending lazy afternoons lounging there together.
On the ground was a dog bowl, and a note: Maybe?
Yes. Yes, a dog would be very welcome here in this house.
I wandered back inside, exploring the spacious rooms. I found notes guiding me from the living room to a small room that would soon be our home office, and finally upstairs to the closed door of the master bedroom.
My heart hammered in my chest. With trembling fingers, I turned the knob and stepped inside.
Waiting for me there was Ben, sitting on the bed, looking nervously excited. He held a small box in his hand. “Hi.”
