I had the address in hand, my heart racing as I pulled up in front of Luke's modest house. The familiar jitters I always felt around him returned—a mix of guilt, nervousness, and relief. Taking a deep breath, I stepped out, smoothing my blouse and walking to the door.
"Luke," I called softly when he opened it, and he froze for a moment before recognition spread across his face.
"I… I wasn't expecting to see you," he admitted, his voice low, but the tension between us eased slightly.
"I know," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I… I just wanted to apologize."
He gestured for me to sit, and I took the chair opposite him, my hands fidgeting in my lap. "For everything," I continued. "For not being there, for taking your friendship for granted… for all of it. I never realized how much you cared until I lost track of you, and… I'm sorry, Luke."
