The afternoon was calm as Liam and Freya walked through the park. They stopped by a small fountain, the sun slowly setting, bathing the surroundings in golden light. Liam took a deep breath, gathering courage for an important step.
He approached, holding three hibiscus flowers—both a symbol of their childhood and a token of their enduring affection. They sat side by side on the edge of the little garden. Silence surrounded them, yet every heartbeat of Freya felt like music.
"For you," Liam said softly, handing over the flowers. In that moment, pieces of Freya's memories started returning.
First, the scent of the hibiscus—the same scent from their childhood, when they played in Liam's yard. She felt the warmth of the sun, heard their laughter, and remembered how their hands touched as they ran through the grass. She could almost see herself running, hair flying in the wind, with Liam laughing beside her, carefree.
Next, she recalled the afternoons studying by the window in Liam's room, where he patiently taught her math, how she learned through his small jokes and gentle smiles. Every tiny gesture, every shared laugh, every subtle touch of his hand came flooding back—clearer and clearer with each passing second.
She took a deep breath, holding the hibiscus flowers tightly. She looked at Liam, and in his eyes, she saw the same warmth and light she had been searching for.
"Liam…" she whispered, and slowly, her heartbeat returned to its old rhythm. Bit by bit, she remembered each day they spent together—the simple games, the flowers she once gave him, the gift she had made—the crocheted hibiscus keychain with their photo. Every memory flowed back as if time had never separated them.
Liam leaned closer, presenting the small gift. "Do you remember this?" he asked, handing over the keychain holding their childhood photo. Each hibiscus bloom carried the weight of memories, youth, and promises they had never forgotten.
In that moment, Freya's memories fully returned. She remembered the first flower she had given him, every "I like you, Liam" she had whispered, and their laughter under the sun. Each memory intertwined with the present—the feelings, the warmth, the butterflies—all came rushing back.
"I… I never thought I'd remember all of this again," Freya said, her voice barely audible, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions. "Liam, I remember everything… and I still like you. I really do."
Liam smiled broadly, his heart soaring. "Me too, Freya. I've waited so long for this day. And now… there's no more holding back."
As they held the flowers and the keychain, time seemed to stand still. They talked quietly, laughed occasionally, and reminisced, retracing their memories together. Every moment felt like a new beginning, and they could feel that the past was no longer a barrier.
As dusk approached, Freya noticed her pink notebook, once filled with sketches of Liam's face. Opening it, she saw a note written on the last page:
"I love you, Freya. Please wait for me." – Liam
She paused, feeling warmth spread through her chest. Each word brought back her youth, their promises, and Liam's unwavering love. She couldn't help but smile, tears of joy forming in her eyes, as she held Liam's hand tightly.
"Liam… thank you. Thank you for everything," she whispered. "I don't have to worry anymore. I know you're here."
Liam smiled, hugging her tightly. "I won't leave you, Freya. Not ever."
In the quiet night, as Freya's memories fully returned, they began a new chapter together. Though once separated by distance, now they shared the same world—full of promises, love, and dreams.
Time passed unnoticed as they held hands, reflecting on every moment. Slowly, the scars of the past faded in Liam's presence. Each laugh, each story, and each little gesture strengthened the foundation of a new beginning.
Eventually, they left the garden, walking home together, talking about the next steps in their lives—college entrance exams, plans, and dreams. Their conversation was light, joyful, and effortless.
With every step, every smile, every laugh, Freya felt it: the past, the longing, the pain—all had been replaced by a stronger promise—their love for each other.
And so the story ended—not with ambiguity, but with joy and love, hand in hand, ready to face whatever the future held.