“Ten years from now, Christmas Eve, Times Square. I promise I’ll be there,” Peter swore to Sally, his high school sweetheart, on prom night. It was a magical night—under the sparkling gym lights, they held on to each other tightly, as if holding on hard enough could stop time from tearing them apart. Life was pulling them in different directions, but they made a promise. It was their beacon, a way to guide them back to each other, no matter where life took them. A decade later, Peter found himself

Sarah was used to finding notes stuck to her front door. They always had the same tone—angry, critical, and signed by her neighbor, Mrs. Cardigan. “Mrs. Teller, I cannot believe I have to address this again. Your yard is a disaster, and your house looks shabby. It’s bringing down the entire neighborhood! Please fix this immediately before property values suffer. Sincerely,Mrs. Cardigan.” With a sigh, Sarah crumpled the latest note and tossed it into the trash. She didn’t have time or energy for this. Between caring for her three children,