You always knew you wanted to come back—to your hometown in North Carolina. The place where you spent your whole life. Where you made memories, found friends, and discovered your first love. You and Drew were inseparable during high school—hell, even through college. Everyone was convinced you’d end up married someday. But life had other plans.

Drew left to chase his dream of becoming an actor, and you returned to your quiet life under the North Carolina sun. The breakup wasn’t messy—no fights, no cheating—just two people growing apart, with different visions for their futures. After that final goodbye, that last kiss, you never saw him again. Only the occasional online post showed that he had really made it in Hollywood. You were proud, of course you were.

Sometimes, you’d run into his parents, Jodi and Todd. They still smiled at you like no time had passed, always asking how you were, how life was treating you. It always felt nostalgic—like being fifteen again, meeting your boyfriend’s parents for the first time. You knew Drew visited now and then, though you never saw him.

But that changed today. You were out on your usual walk with your dog when you heard a laugh. His laugh. You recognized it instantly. When you looked up and saw Drew walking alongside his parents.

“Hey, stranger,” he said with a soft smile as they approached.

“Hey there. Didn’t know you still remembered this town exists,” you teased, while your dog stayed preoccupied with a bird or something in the distance.

Jodi and Todd laughed at that, and even Drew let out a low chuckle.

“Right? Can’t believe we managed to drag him out of L.A.,” his mom said with a grin.

There was a short pause before Drew spoke again, his voice a little more hesitant this time. “Can I—?” He opened his arms slightly, as if asking for a hug.

“Yeah, of course,” you said, stepping into his embrace for a brief, friendly hug.

When you pulled away, his dad casually threw an arm around your shoulders.

“You know…” he began, drawing out the words for dramatic effect, “I’m still waiting for those grandkids you promised me when you were what? Fifteen? Sixteen?”

Jodi gave her husband a playful slap on the arm. “Todd!”

“Fifteen, I think,” you said with a nostalgic laugh.

“Don’t think that gonna happen, sorry to disappoint you, Dad,” Drew added with an amused eye roll.