My mother and I lived on quiet, peaceful, and happy days.
Later, at the flower market in the small town of Antibes in Southern France, I was bending over to choose a bouquet of fresh lisianthus when a familiar, hesitant voice spoke from behind me.
"Leah?"
I turned around.
Backlit by the bright Mediterranean sunshine, I saw a man in casual formal wear, with a gentle and calm presence.
His features had lost their youthful softness but remained handsome and familiar, making me pause for a moment in recognition.
"Kiefer?"
Kiefer had been my classmate for six years, through middle and high school. We were always among the top three students in our grade and were very good friends.
He smiled, and fine lines spread gently at the corners of his eyes. "I truly never expected to run into y
