Abigail woke up lying on the couch, a pool of tears dampening the area where her head lay. The sun shone in the room, bright and warm, directly conflicting with her current state of mind. She checked the clock, which read 5:05. Though last night's events threatened to cloud her thoughts, she knew what she needed to do.

She got up and got to cleaning her house. Now looking at things with a motivated state of mind, Abigail was disgusted with the way she'd left her house. She dusted and mopped the whole main floor. She walked back to her room and started to clean, stopping only when she found an opened-up envelope on her nightstand. She grabbed the envelope and reread the letter inside which read:

Dear Abigail,
How I miss you. How are you doing? I hope this letter finds you in good health. I know it's been a while since I've written to you, and for that I apologize. I've taken on the task of assisting Lucas in his political endeavors. How is Cody? The last time I visited, it really started to dawn on me how great of a young man he was turning into. I'm sure this is because of your positive influence on him. You are a great mom. You took on those two kids and showed them what a true family was like. How is your mother? Last time I was here, she seemed to be doing well, even doing things for herself. Maybe if she's still improving, you can come for a short visit. I intended to visit you, but helping Lucas has been a very demanding task.
I wanted to tell you this in person, but I just can't wait any longer. Abigail, you mean a lot to me. You've changed my life. You saw the good in me when no one else did, including myself. I couldn't be more grateful for that. The way you care, the way you always tend to see the good in people-these are the reasons I love you. I love you, Abigail. My feelings have been there for years but have become increasingly impossible to deny. I can settle for friendship, if that is all you wish for, but I would love to see where life takes us.

With Love,
Henry

Abigail sat down on her bed, clutching the letter to her chest, and allowed herself to cry. She'd possibly lost one of her dearest friends and wasn't sure if he'd take her back this time, not after she'd pushed him away. After a few moments, she got up and walked to Cody's room.

"Good morning, sweetheart."

"What are you doing up so early?"

"I was wondering if you would like to go out for some breakfast in town today." Cody had seen Henry drive away the night before, but he thought it best not to bring it up.

"Sure. Give me a few minutes." Cody got up and dressed and walked downstairs, shocked to see the current state of the house. Something Henry said must've struck a chord with his mother.

"You ready?"

"Yep. Let's go." The two walked down the street to the small restaurant in town. It reminded Abigail of her own cafe, but it lacked the charm of her hometown. They sat down and ordered their meals.

"Look, Cody, I owe you an apology for the way I've been acting."

"Mom, it's okay. I'm just worried about you."

"I know. I promise I'm trying to get better. I didn't realize how my actions were affecting you, Cody. I'm sorry I haven't been there for you the way I should have been."

"It's okay. I know you've been going through lot."

"You did the right thing."

"What?"

"Calling him. I understand why you did it."

"Then where is he?"

"Cody, I messed things up with him, badly. But his words are what are giving me the strength to press on."

Cody reached across the table and grabbed his mom's hand. "I love you, Mom."

"I love you too, my boy."