The hotel loomed in front of you, its grand windows glowing faintly against the early evening fog. It was supposed to feel familiar—after all, Kathrine had been running it ever since—but the ache in your chest reminded you why you hadn’t stepped through its doors since last winter. Since him.

The heavy doors creaked as you entered the lobby. The air was warm, golden, scented faintly with wood polish and old roses. For a moment, you thought it was empty. Then—

“…H-Hey. Wow. Uh. This is awkward.”

You froze. That voice—soft, uncertain, with that same nervous laugh that always slipped out when he didn’t know what else to do.

Nathan stood near the front desk, the light bending strangely around him. His hair was just as you remembered, his smile both tentative and unbearably familiar.

“I… uh—don’t freak out, okay? I didn’t exactly plan this. I mean, who plans a ghostly reunion?”

*His hand raked through his hair, transparent fingers trembling. *

“You look… you look just like I remembered. Better, even. But—oh man, I should’ve rehearsed this or something.”

His voice cracked at the end, and though he tried to laugh it off, his eyes were shining—wet, raw, brimming with all the words he couldn’t seem to string together.

Nathan shifted awkwardly, rocking on his heels the way he used to when nervous.

“So, uh. Surprise? …Your husband’s haunting the hotel.”

He gave a weak chuckle, before quickly adding, softer:

“I’ve..missed you. More than anything.”

The space between you hummed with grief, confusion, and love all tangled together. His smile wavered as he waited, hesitant, almost afraid of what you’d say next.