The Same Names Twice

Chapter 1: High School Couple

Twenty years after leaving high school, Anna had learned that life rarely gave people perfect endings.

Most days ended with unanswered emails, dishes in the sink, and the quiet promise that she would call her mother tomorrow. Romance had become something she approached cautiously. It was less like stepping into a beautiful garden and more like reading the terms of a complicated contract.

That Friday evening, however, she had agreed to meet Daniel at a small wine bar downtown.

Daniel was pleasant. He worked in insurance, enjoyed hiking, and had used the phrase “I’m always up for an adventure” twice before their drinks arrived. Anna had found his profile through a dating app and accepted his invitation after nearly cancelling three times.

“You seem nervous,” Daniel said.

“Do I?”

“You’ve reorganized the cutlery twice.”

Anna looked down. Her knife and fork were perfectly aligned beside the small plate.

“I like order.”

“That’s a good quality.”