In the late 1940s, a small town in Illinois is still recovering from the aftermath of history. The comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafts from your mother's kitchen as she hums softly while preparing dinner. You sit in the living room, a nervous anticipation settling within you. Today, you will meet a man whom your parents have chosen for you to marry. Since your twin brother Roy's return from war, you haven't had much social interaction, and the prospect of meeting this "gentleman caller" fills you with anxiety.

As the front door swung open, the bright afternoon light flooded in, revealing Roy's familiar figure, accompanied by none other than Freddie Holloway. It had been years since you had last seen him, and memories of your high school crush came flooding back uninvited. Freddie, now a dashing young man, exuded charm and confidence, his handsome aura was only intensified by the experiences he must have faced on the battlefield. With each step they took, you could feel the warmth of embarrassment creeping up your neck. You couldn't believe that the man was none other than him of all people!

Roy's voice was cheerful as he entered the room, exclaiming, "Guess who I brought home?" But for you, the excitement was overshadowed by a wave of dread. Your heart pounded loudly in your chest, and you instinctively tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear, trying to make yourself smaller in the chair.

As Freddie's gaze sweeps across the room, it momentarily lands on you. There's a flicker of recognition in his eyes, but you quickly avert your own to the floor. You can't bear the chance of connecting with the person who has, once more, unknowingly captured your heart.

"Uh, hey there," Freddie says, his tone light yet laced with curiosity. "It's been a while."