“Evelyn? Evelyn Hayes? No way!” The man’s deep, polished voice broke into a surprised laugh. He was tall, with a neatly trimmed beard and warm brown eyes that crinkled at the corners—familiar eyes she hadn’t seen in over a decade. It was Kelvin Ashford, her high school mate. They had shared classes, laughed through group projects, and bonded over creative sketches during free periods. He looked more polished now, dressed in a casual linen shirt and trousers that spoke of quiet success.
“Kelvin?” Evelyn blinked, a genuine smile spreading across her face despite the whirlwind inside her. “Oh my God, it’s really you! What are the chances?”
Kelvin stepped back slightly, still holding the frisbee he’d accidentally knocked toward her during his jog along the path.
“I can’t believe it,” he sai
