As Sam sat alone in class, intentionally keeping his distance from Julie and Bliss, he could feel a mix of jealousy and regret simmering beneath the surface. He put on a moody front, hoping it might make Bliss notice him. But she was laughing and chatting with her friends, seemingly oblivious. His attention drifted as he spotted Julie and Charles hugging, a heartfelt embrace that sparked an “Aww” from the whole class. Sam could only smile. What once would have stung him deeply now felt oddly liberating—he could finally see that Julie and Charles belonged together, and he was at peace with that.

Just then, Julie surprised him with a quick hug and a playful peck on the cheek. The attention from his classmates made him blush, but more surprising was Charles’s reaction. He wasn’t jealous; instead, he smiled knowingly, almost as if they’d planned the whole thing together. Sam’s suspicions grew, but he kept them to himself, waiting for the right moment to bring it up.

After school, Julie and Charles pulled Sam and Bliss aside for a private chat. Julie’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “We wanted to be honest with you both,” she began. “We planned this day, but there’s a story behind it all.”

Charles took a deep breath, settling in to tell the tale. “When I woke up from the coma last week, the only name on my mind was Julie. I couldn’t stop calling for her until the nurses finally sent for the doctor. They said it was a miracle, and I felt it too. All I could think of was making things right with her.” He paused, glancing at Julie, who nodded, her eyes full of affection. “After I got discharged, I immediately texted her, sending endless apologies and telling her that my absence had only made my feelings for her stronger.”

Julie picked up the story, her voice soft but steady. “I forgave him eventually, but I told him it would only work if Sam could accept us together too. I didn’t want to hurt you anymore, Sam. And I knew Bliss was important to you.”

Sam listened intently, caught between surprise and gratitude. It felt surreal like they were finally setting down old burdens and choosing to move forward. He looked at Bliss, who was listening just as intently, a hint of relief on her face.

Charles continued, a mischievous smile breaking through. “Julie even told me about how close you two had gotten, and we both wanted to test if it was real. That’s why Julie made that ‘stay away’ request to Bliss, hoping it would bring things into the open.”

Bliss blushed as she looked at Sam, finally realizing how much his presence had meant to her despite Julie’s request. She stepped closer to him, her fingers intertwining with his as she whispered, “I love you, Sammy.”

Sam felt his heart leap, his shock melting into a broad smile. “Oh, so now you’re finally answering my question from yesterday?” he teased, though his voice betrayed the relief he felt.

Everyone laughed, the tension lifting as the four friends shared in their reunion. Julie then suggested, “Let’s all go on a double date to celebrate. We’ve been through too much not to enjoy this moment together.”

“Don’t worry; I’ll host it myself,” Charles offered confidently, the pride evident in his voice.

They said their goodbyes, each parting with a newfound sense of happiness and closure. Sam went home feeling whole, as though a heavy weight had finally been lifted from his heart. For the first time in months, he felt at peace, the loneliness and hurt replaced by hope and love.

That night, as he drifted to sleep, he clutched his duvet, smiling at the memory of the day. April 20, 2010. Six months ago, I was lost, but now I’m found. Love found me, he thought as he slipped into a restful slumber, knowing he wasn’t alone anymore.