“But that’s not why I was wrong,” I continued. “I frightened you because I wanted proof. You never agreed to be tested.”

“I don’t know if I can trust you again.”

“I understand.”

She finished her coffee.

“Maybe we could meet again sometime.”

“I’d like that.”

We began rebuilding our relationship slowly.

Several months later, Skyla invited me over for dinner.

She was preparing her grandmother’s chicken soup.

While I chopped vegetables, she searched through the wooden recipe box.

Then she handed me a newer card.

FOR THE PERSON I LOVE.

On the back was a list she’d written before traveling to Meryl’s house.

The final instruction read:

Don’t let him forget he’s still Archie, even when he’s frightened.

I read it twice.

My eyes filled with tears.

Skyla gently took the card and returned it to its place.

“I almost threw that one away,” she said. “I’m glad I waited.”