Written Through These Amber Eyes

Autumn stood outside Erin’s apartment, her heart racing with anticipation. They were ready this time, determined to embrace whatever might come about from the last encounter. But as they reached for the doorbell, they heard footsteps behind it. The door swung open, and there was Erin, but she wasn’t alone. A tall figure with frizzy hair and an easy smile walked out beside her, laughter spilling from their lips.

“Hey, Autumn!” Erin says, sounding uneasy. This is Jamie, a friend from work. We were heading out. Do you want to join us?”

Autumn’s heart sank. “Oh, no, that’s okay. I just came by to return your mug,” they managed to say after realizing they didn’t even have it and already returned it.

“We’ll catch up later?” Erin says as the tension builds. 

“Sure,” Autumn said, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach their eyes.

As Erin and Jamie walked away, laughter trailing behind them, Autumn turned and headed home, too disappointed to tell their friends.

The days drifted by in a blur. Autumn went through the motions work, home, the occasional get together with Mandy and Stevie. When someone mentioned the night, it felt like a fresh wound reopening.

“Hey, you, okay?” Mandy asked one evening while they sat on the couch, cards scattered between them. “You’ve been kind of quiet.”

“Just thinking,” Autumn replied, their voice distant.

Stevie said, “We should hit that new bar this weekend! Get you back in the game!”

Autumn shrugged. The thought of going out again felt exhausting. “Yeah, maybe.”

But beneath the surface, a slight chance of hope remained. It whispered of Erin’s laughter, of the warmth in her gaze. Maybe it wasn’t over, even if the days dragged on silently.

It wasn’t until a random Friday afternoon, scrolling through social media at work, Autumn stumbled upon a photo that made their heart skip. There was Erin, glowing, surrounded by friends at a festive gathering. Jamie stood close, but Erin looked so genuinely happy. Yes, seeing Erin with someone else stung. Erin looked vibrant, and in that moment, Autumn realized they wanted her to be happy, even if it didn’t include them.

After work, Autumn found themselves at a cozy café, wrapping their hands around a warm mug of tea. The comforting atmosphere washed over them, and they felt a sense of peace for the first time in days. Maybe she’ll have her own Lukes in her way, and maybe letting go meant finding joy in someone else’s happiness.

Later that night, Autumn texted Mandy and Stevie, suggesting they go to that new bar.

When they arrived, laughter and music filled the air as Autumn joined their friends.

Just as they were getting lost in the moment, Autumn caught sight of someone stepping through the door. Erin, wearing a cozy sweater, walks in with her friends. This time, there was no ache in Autumn’s heart only a sense of possibility.

As the night unfolded, Autumn danced and laughed, feeling lighter with each passing moment. When Erin glanced their way and smiled, that small gesture felt like a fleeting connection, a reminder of what could have been.

In that instant, Autumn knew they were okay. The path ahead was still uncertain, but they could remain hopeful. Maybe a Christmas miracle didn’t always come wrapped in neat packages; sometimes, it emerged from unexpected twists, leading them to their new beginnings.

With each laugh shared with friends and every song sung, Autumn felt a sense of peace. They realized that their worth wasn’t tied to anyone else, and that was enough.

Autumn savored the moment. They were ready to embrace whatever the future held with the season’s magic, whatever form it might take.