The Unexpected Journey to Finding Love Again

My attention was captivated by the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. I tasted salt on my lips. At that moment, I stared at the ocean and wondered, what if the past met the present? Would it return lost love?

On a paradise island surrounded by pleasant weather, such thoughts must cross the minds of vacationers, daring them to dream of what might be.

It reminds me of a past love.

Despite being the youngest in the store, I was grateful to secure a sales job in one of the most prestigious department stores in the late 1990s. Business was booming during the holiday season. However, shortly after came what most companies call the dry season.

March was a lucky month. Several tourist ships docked in the harbor again, bringing good news.

At this time, a very tall and handsome man entered the retail store. There was an air of sophistication about him. He was clearly from out of town. His glossy brown eyes were visible under the bright overhead lights.

My colleagues stared at him as he walked forward. “He has a firm and tight butt,” they whispered teasingly. “Looks like he is heading your way,” said another. Shy, I turned away. It was partially my hope that he would seek assistance from someone else.

Even so, as he stood over my five-foot-four body, I glanced up and smiled. I quickly said the words we all use every day. “How can I help you today?” I asked.

He had a deep accent. Even though his voice was pleasant, I listened carefully to every word. His request was simple. “I would like to purchase a special gift for a special lady.”

The man asked for my help in choosing such a trophy. Additionally, he specified that the gift must be beautiful and presentable.

The right gift.

I searched nervously around the store with the stranger for his ideal gift. I glanced at the teasing faces around us as they chatted among themselves. The man seemed meticulous about what he intended to buy.

Finally, he settled on a choice that pleased him. A women’s cologne was released recently. We both walked back to the counter to begin the second phase of the sale, wrapping up the item.

He kept his eyes on me as he watched and waited patiently. Due to my nerves, the task took longer than usual. I used my favorite gift-wrapping style. Upon finishing, I placed the wrapped gift in a shopping bag. I handed the neat package over to the prestigious man.

After that, I expected a thank you, and he was on his way. Instead, he smiled for the first time. It was as if a bright light suddenly switched on. His demeanor was warm. Our eyes met, and his face glowed. I was unsure how to react to his sudden change of attitude.

I had no idea what to do next.

My face hurts from keeping my customer appreciation smile longer than needed.

Suddenly, his face became serious again. My heart skipped a beat.

What he did next stunned me. With his athletic body, he leaned over the store counter. He whispered in my ear. “It’s for you.”

In the late 1990s, the age gap between Ricky and I was frowned upon. I was nineteen. He was twenty-six. In the community, I strived to be a people pleaser. I was comfortable being called the good girl.

Despite it all, I found him attractive. He was caring, sophisticated, and kind. Every interaction with him felt special. He enjoyed sports and played professionally. It was the reason he visited my country in the first place.

Ricky remained on the island for a while. He often took me out for lunch during his stay. In those brief intervals, we had many conversations. It felt like we had known each other for a long time.

Can true love say goodbye forever?

Regardless, the day came when he had to say goodbye. Our time together was memorable. We both promised to stay in touch. However, the world had other plans for me. I migrated to live a different life far away.

Ricky returned to my homeland several times to play professional sports. Although time passed, he kept a picture of me. He came to the store where we once met and inquired. Regardless, I was no longer there, and the establishment had changed. Many of my coworkers have moved on to other life ventures.

The years fade into decades. However, Ricky’s memories remain in my heart. I often wondered what had become of him and if he ever thought of me.

Thirty years later, I vacationed on his tropical island of birth. As I strolled along the beach one morning, I encountered some natives.

I chatted with the friendly people, and during the conversation, I mentioned Ricky as someone I once knew from their island. Two men in the group knew Ricky very well as someone who played competitive sports for his company.

The man called Ricky on the telephone and gave him my name. There was silence. After which, I heard Ricky ask for my location. He then instructed the man to let me know he remembered who I was and wished to see me.

That same evening, Ricky came by the residence where I stayed. I recognized the familiar voice with a deep accent inquiring about my whereabouts.

I took a few deep breaths. I am sure Ricky has moved on and has a happy family. I told myself. My heart raced, not out of fear but in overwhelming anticipation of the unknown.

I quickly walked to the front of the building to greet him.

Love gets another chance.

He saw me coming and smiled as he approached me. My heart leaped. We were both excited. It was a long and joyous embrace. ”I pray to see you again.” He whispered.

Nonetheless, he looked fine, and his eyes still sparkled brightly with warmth and kindness.

We sat down on the concrete steps. There were many questions. We shared stories about our lives, dreams, and regrets. It felt like no time had passed between us. Ricky is an exceptional person, single, and yes, he still has a tight butt.

He informed me that he had returned to my country and the store where I worked, year after year, hoping to see me again.

He carried a photograph of me wearing my blue workplace uniform, which he kept for all those years. It was a tangible piece of our fleeting and profound connection.

When Ricky learned I had moved away, he feared he would never see me again, but he never stopped hoping.

His face suddenly became serious. He cleared his throat. He then carefully pulled out an old, worn photograph from his wallet. Ricky then looked at me and said “I hated those damned yellow shoes you wore back then. It did not even match your blue outfit.” He joked.

We both looked at the picture together and laughed out loud. “I knew that,” I replied. “After all, it was the late 90s, and that was the style.” You mean your style?” He teased. We laughed even louder. As he spoke, my heart overflowed with joy.

In a world so big, it is truly a miracle that I am with Ricky again. Here in my presence was a man who held me in his heart for a long time. Although we both had past relationships, Ricky never gave up on our paths crossing again.

In my heart, he always remains a cherished memory and a symbol of what could have been.

Many times over the years, I spoke about the handsome and kind man who walked into the store where I worked many years ago. He asked me to help him find a gift suitable for a special lady, me.

We exchanged stories about our lives apart. Before we knew it, hours had passed. As the sun set, fate was in the air. It was a day filled with love and joy. I never believed in fate until that moment. We knew right then that destiny had spoken again, and now we were given a second chance at love.

What I know for sure

True love is our greatest gift. It nurtures growth, forgives flaws, and celebrates uniqueness. Among humanity and in a world filled with uncertainty, love offers a sanctuary of trust, care, and understanding. It is the foundation of meaningful relationships.

Ultimately, there is no greater love than true love, regardless of distance or time. It is a universal hope and dream that we all find and experience true love.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.

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