If Only I Had Told Her: Episode 1: The Unspoken Words

Episode 1: The Unspoken Words

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the quiet suburban street. Jake stood at his bedroom window, staring out at the fading light. The day had been ordinary, filled with the usual routine of work, errands, and fleeting conversations. But tonight felt different, weighed down by a gnawing sense of regret.

He turned away from the window and glanced at the framed photograph on his desk. It was a picture of him and Emily, taken two years ago at the county fair. They were laughing, carefree, caught in a moment of pure joy. Emily’s eyes sparkled with a light that had always drawn him in, and her smile was the kind that made the world seem brighter.

Jake sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. He had known Emily since they were kids, growing up on the same street, and attending the same schools. Over the years, their friendship had deepened, and for Jake, it had turned into something more. He had fallen in love with her, but fear and doubt had kept him from speaking his heart.

“If only I had told her,” he muttered to himself, the words a bitter echo in the stillness of his room.

Tonight, he was determined to change that. He picked up his phone, hesitating for a moment before dialing Emily’s number. The phone rang once, twice, and then her familiar voice answered.

“Hey, Jake! What’s up?”

“Hey, Em,” he replied, trying to keep his voice steady. “Are you free tonight? I was thinking we could grab a coffee or something.”

There was a brief pause. “Sure, I’d love that. How about the little café on Maple Street? Say, in an hour?”

“Perfect. See you then.”

Jake hung up, his heart pounding. This was it. He was finally going to tell her how he felt. He grabbed his jacket and keys, taking one last look at the photograph before heading out.

The café on Maple Street was a cozy, dimly lit place with an old-world charm. Jake arrived early, choosing a quiet corner table. He watched as the minutes ticked by, his mind racing with what he would say. The bell above the door chimed, and he looked up to see Emily walking in, her presence instantly calming his nerves.

“Hey, Jake!” she greeted him with a warm hug. “It’s been a while since we’ve done this.”

“Yeah, it has,” he agreed, smiling. “How’ve you been?”

They chatted for a while, catching up on life and reminiscing about old times. As the conversation flowed, Jake’s confidence grew. He realized that no matter what happened, their friendship was strong enough to withstand it.

Finally, he took a deep breath. “Emily, there’s something I need to tell you,” he began, his voice steady despite the fluttering in his chest. “I’ve been meaning to say this for a long time, but I didn’t have the courage until now.”

Emily’s eyes widened slightly, a hint of curiosity and concern in her gaze. “What is it, Jake?”

He looked into her eyes, drawing strength from the connection they shared. “Emily, I love you. I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. I’ve been too afraid to say anything because I didn’t want to risk our friendship, but I can’t keep it to myself anymore. I just needed you to know.”

The silence that followed was both agonizing and exhilarating. Jake held his breath, waiting for her response. Emily’s expression softened, and a slow smile spread across her face.

“Oh, Jake,” she whispered, reaching across the table to take his hand. “I’ve been waiting for you to say that.”

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