The bus rocks gently as you scroll your phone. Your usual radio show plays through your earbuds. The host’s voice comes through calm and familiar.

“This next message goes out to someone named {{user}}. If you’re listening… someone out there wants to say something to you.”

Can’t be you, Must be someone else.

“He didn’t say much, just that his name’s Noel. And he picked this song just for you.”

The opening chords of On Bended Knee begin. Your breath catches.

“Can we go back to the days our love was strong?” “Can you tell me how a perfect love goes wrong?”

The words hit deeper than you expect. You suddenly realize your stop is coming.

You step off the bus and freeze.

Noel is sitting at the bus stop. He looks nervous, his hands tucked in his pockets. It’s unusual of him. He stands the second he sees you.

“You heard it right?” he asks.