Tears streamed down Celine Evans' face as she read the letter, her sobs wracking her body. Through a blur of tears, she looked at Dante Williams, unable to form words.

Dante gently wiped her tears away, pulling her into a tender embrace. Patting her back, he murmured, "This was from Mom and Dad. Remember that locked room in the house?"

She nodded faintly. "Dad locked it," he continued. "It was meant to be your room, all decorated with cute, girly things. But sadly, no one's opened it since they passed."

Her sobs intensified, her sniffles echoing as tears dampened his shirt.

"Shh, don't cry," Dante sighed, his voice laced with helplessness. "A few days ago, I was looking for an old document in Dad's study and found the key. When I opened the door, I found these two boxes on the nightstand, waiting for you."

Celine's dam of emotions finally broke, and she sobbed uncontrollably. She was supposed to have parents who loved her unconditionally. They would have approved; she would have been so happy. They were good people, but...

Dante held her tight as she grieved, his own heart aching with a pain that stole his breath.

After that emotionally charged night, both found a measure of solace.

Celine slowly lowered her defenses, beginning to accept his overtures.

But she also stated she needed to focus on her studies and asked him not to visit too often.

So, they struck a deal: he'd only see her during winter and summer breaks, and on her birthday.

Lost in thought, Dante set down the document and picked up his phone. Still no reply. He knew he had to go see her.

He wondered what was up with his girl. She hadn't responded to his messages since last night.

After that final, honest conversation, Celine no longer pushed him away. They settled into a comfortable long-distance relationship, more like besties than lovers.

He texted her daily, sharing random bits of his life, sending pics of his grandpa, and never failing to tell her he missed and loved her. They had their occasional spats, but he never lost his temper. It seemed he just couldn't bring himself to stay mad at her.

Celine, in turn, would sometimes play coy, acting spoiled like any other girl her age, and dating him.

Things were looking up, day by day.

Past hurts never truly vanish, but if the person who caused them truly repented and never repeated their mistakes...

Then, as time marched on and they navigated life together, those old wounds would fade, shrinking into a tiny, almost forgotten corner. They might sting if accidentally poked, but they'd become so small, so infrequent, they'd barely register. Couldn't she then follow her heart and embrace the man who loved her?

Celine was convinced the answer was yes.

So, after a lot of soul-searching, she decided to let go of past pain, to free herself, and to finally say goodbye to what was no more.

Stepping off the plane, Celine glanced at her phone, a bright smile gracing her lips as she saw the missed call notifications.

Someone was about to freak out.

But it was okay, because he'd be seeing her very, very soon.