It's been few days since the charity gala night...
As I walked into the cozy bookstore, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and old books enveloped me. I had been reviewing Alex's proposal for days, but something was missing. I needed inspiration. Browsing through the shelves, I stumbled upon a section on social justice, and my eyes widened.
Suddenly, the soundtrack shifted, and a familiar melody filled the air. "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac. My heart skipped a beat. Brian's favorite song.
Memories flooded my mind: laughter, tears, and late-night conversations. The song was our anthem, symbolizing change and growth. But now, it only brought pain.
I stood frozen, lost in thought, as the lyrics echoed:
"Can the child within my heart rise above?"
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I hadn't allowed myself to think about Brian in a long time. The pain had subsided, but the scar remained.
A gentle voice interrupted my reverie. "Hi, are you okay?"
I turned to face a concerned bookstore clerk.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just lost in thought."
She smiled. "Music has a way of transporting us, doesn't it?"
I nodded, forcing a smile.
As I continued browsing, my mind drifted back to the proposal. Alex's words resonated: "We want to tell stories that inspire change."
**************
---
I returned to my office, my mind still reeling from the encounter with the past. I settled at my desk, booting up my computer. On a whim, I opened my music player and searched for "Landslide."
As the opening chords filled the room, I closed my eyes, letting the memories wash over me.
---
Five years ago...
I remembered Brian's warm smile greeting me at the coffee shop. Our first date. My nerves dissipated as we laughed and talked for hours.
Our whirlwind romance led to a beautiful life together. Jake's arrival brought unparalleled joy.
But cracks began to show. Brian's restlessness grew, and my focus on my career intensified.
One fateful night, our differences boiled over.
"I feel like I'm losing you, Maddie," Brian said, his voice laced with desperation.
My heart ached, remembering my response: "You're not losing me, Brian. You're just finding yourself."
The distance between us grew, until Brian's words cut deep: "I need someone who prioritizes family, not just their career."
The memory stung, even now.
I opened my eyes, gazing out the window. The city bustled, oblivious to my pain.
I thought about Alex's proposal, his passion for storytelling. Was this my chance to rediscover myself, to find balance between work and life?
As the song faded, I took a deep breath. I saved the document I was working on and typed a new email.
Subject: Meeting to Discuss Proposal
Dear Alex,
I'd like to schedule a meeting to discuss the proposal. I have some questions and concerns.
Best,
Maddie
---
Now that I've delved deeper into my past, I feel a mix of emotions.