Resting Scrooge Face

by Meghan Quinn

Does my piss-poor attitude—including my insane letter to Christmas—have anything to do with the one that got away, the woman who just so happened to move back to our small, wintery town in the heart of Maine? Absolutely, it does.

“What?” she responds. “That’s what you’re going to say to me? What?” No, what I really want to say is how beautiful you are. How I’ve missed staring into your eyes. Or hearing your laugh.

First of all, could the man be any more attractive? You always hope for the people who break your heart to age horribly, but not Caleb Butler.

This is my second chance, and if I don’t do something now, I could lose her forever.

“Trying to remind you that I’m a good guy, that people make mistakes, and that even though I know our chapter is over, I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable living here.”

I was meant to stay in Bright Harbor, and that’s when I decided to fully let you go. I knew we were headed in opposite directions, and if I tried to follow, I’d be miserable. And that’s not fair to you.”

“You could have told me that, Caleb.” “And risk having you stay when clearly you were supposed to go and explore the world?”

“Well, if you weren’t spouting heart eyes for the man, you might have heard me walking up with my cane.”

“Even during our time apart, even when our hearts were both shattered, it’s always been you. Always and forever.”

This is my girl. The one I’ve been waiting for. And sure, it might have taken a few years and some letters delivered by a friend, but we’re here, in each other’s arms, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.