Seventeen years ago, my husband Richard vanished just weeks after our wedding. At 26, we had dreams of a happy life together. Richard’s sudden disappearance left me devastated and searching for answers. Despite police efforts and my hopes, he never returned.
Though my friends encouraged me to move on, especially with the unwavering support of my close friend Jake, I couldn’t let go of Richard. I focused on my career in engineering, and during a business trip, I decided to attend a Sunday church service in a distant city.
As the service ended, I heard a familiar laugh. Turning, I saw Richard—older, with grey in his hair, but unmistakably him. Shocked, we agreed to meet at a nearby café.
At Tom’s Cafe, Richard nervously explained his disappearance. An old high school flame had confessed her enduring love, and he realized he still loved her. This revelation shattered me, as I had clung to the hope of his return for all those years.
