It's too soon—you can't. And yet, an unbidden, irrepressible smile crosses your face. You lie down on your couch, kicking off your snow-covered boots.

Your phone vibrates. Two messages. One from M. and one from C.

"Hi stranger, it's been awhile. Come over."

It's in classic C. style. You're able to ignore it this time.

The other: "I had a lot of fun. Let's see each other soon. M."

You can't help it. You dare to hope. It could be promising. You respond to only M.'s text, and hide your face. You'll have to see them at work tomorrow. You don't dread it though. You're excited. And your own excitement is both embarrassing to you, and exhilarating.

It's not easy to fall asleep. The luring glow of your phone screen keeps you awake longer than you should be.

Things are changing, you think. You hope so, anyway. You think it's for the better.

Time will tell.