The First Cracks In Her Walls
610 Words
Ava couldn't stop thinking about the coffee date.
Even three days later, memories of their conversation kept finding their way back into her mind. She would be working on a report, answering emails, or preparing presentations when suddenly she would remember something Ethan had said and find herself smiling.
It annoyed her.
A lot.
She had spent years convincing herself that relationships only led to disappointment. Getting attached to someone again was the last thing she wanted.
Or at least, that was what she kept telling herself.
Monday morning arrived, and Ava was determined to focus on work.
As she entered the office building, she headed straight for her desk. She had barely sat down when her coworker, Sarah, appeared beside her.
"Why are you smiling at your computer?" Sarah asked suspiciously.
"I'm not smiling."
"You are."
Ava quickly wiped the expression from her face.
"I was reading something funny."
Sarah crossed her arms.
"Does this funny thing happen to be six feet tall, rich, and named Ethan Carter?"
Ava nearly dropped her coffee.
"What?"
Sarah grinned.
"I knew it."
"There is nothing going on."
"Sure."
Before Ava could defend herself, her phone buzzed.
A message appeared on the screen.
Good morning, Ava. I hope your day is going well.
Her heart skipped.
It was Ethan.
Sarah saw the reaction immediately.
"Oh, that's definitely him."
Ava grabbed her phone and turned it over.
"Mind your business."
Sarah laughed and walked away.
For the rest of the morning, Ava tried to ignore the message.
She failed.
Eventually, she replied.
Good morning. I'm at work.
A few seconds later, another message arrived.
I know. Most people are at work on Monday mornings.
Ava couldn't help laughing.
Very funny.
Thank you. I try my best.
Their conversation continued throughout the day.
Nothing serious.
Just small jokes, random questions, and playful teasing.
Yet somehow, every message made Ava look forward to the next one.
By evening, she was walking toward the bus stop when her phone rang.
Ethan.
She hesitated before answering.
"Hello?"
"Hi."
The sound of his voice made her smile instantly.
"I didn't know people still made phone calls."
"I'm old-fashioned."
"You're thirty."
"Exactly. Ancient."
Ava laughed.
They talked as she walked home.
About work.
About books.
About favorite foods.
About childhood memories.
The conversation felt easy, natural.
Like they had known each other for years instead of a few days.
When Ava finally reached her apartment building, she realized they had been talking for almost an hour.
"Wow," she said.
"What?"
"We've been on the phone forever."
"Time flies when you're talking to me."
"There goes your ego again."
Ethan chuckled.
"I'll work on it."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The silence wasn't uncomfortable.
It felt peaceful.
Then Ethan's voice softened.
"Ava?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm glad you texted me."
Her heart fluttered unexpectedly.
She leaned against the wall outside her apartment.
"I'm glad I did too."
The words slipped out before she could stop them.
For a few seconds, silence filled the line.
Then Ethan spoke.
"Goodnight, Ava."
"Goodnight, Ethan."
After the call ended, Ava stood there staring at her phone.
A smile slowly spread across her face.
For the first time in years, she felt something she thought she had lost forever.
Hope.
Maybe she was making a mistake.
Maybe she was allowing someone too close.
Maybe she was risking another heartbreak.
But as she thought about Ethan's smile, his laugh, and the way he always seemed to brighten her day, she couldn't bring herself to regret it.
Without realizing it, the walls around her heart were beginning to c***k.
And for once, she wasn't trying to rebuild them.
- Writer
