"Connections"

Emily did her mindless Facebook scrolling, something she did without thinking. Her thumb swept across pictures of pals' vacations, wedding invites, and the odd tirade about politics. When she noticed Daniel Thompson's name appear in the "People You May Know" section, she hesitated.

Emily felt her heart skip a beat. Daniel had slipped her mind for years. They had attended the same university, taken a few classes together, and once experienced a brief romantic relationship. Curious about his life story, she clicked on his profile picture.

The man in the picture had the same intense blue eyes that she had recalled, but his curly hair had grown out and there was a trace of a beard. He had a dog by his side and was grinning widely while standing by a lake. After a little pause, Emily decided to friend him.

Her phone buzzed with a notice in a matter of minutes. After agreeing to her request, Daniel wrote to Emily, saying, "Hey, Emily! Long time not seen. "How are you doing?"

Emily's fingers lingered over the keyboard as her thoughts quickly returned to their time in college. They had become friends in a literary lesson because they both loved Hemingway and coffee.

.Though life and ambition had led them apart, their bond had been immediate and powerful. He had remained behind to complete his degree and eventually settle in their college town, while she had relocated to New York to pursue a career in writing. He was employed as a software developer the last she had heard.

"I'm doing fine! What say you? She tried to keep her tone light as she typed back, "It feels like forever."

Daniel answered right away, as though he had been anticipating her message. "Thanks, I'm doing great! Only a few months ago relocated to New York. How is your life going for you?

A flutter went through Emily's gut. He was in New York. She couldn't shake the feeling that everything was coming together. They said hello and caught up on what had happened in the years since college. Daniel filled her in on his work, his dog, and how he had been restless after a breakup and had eventually made the decision to go to the city.

Writing, "I need a change," "I always remember you talking about how much you love it here, and I thought, why not give it a try?"

Emily grinned at her computer. They spent hours talking, remembering their time in college and realizing that their former spark still existed. The talk moved along effortlessly, as though no time had gone at all.

"Do you want to grab coffee sometime?" At last, Daniel inquired. "I'd love to catch up in person."

Emily paused. Should she have opened this chapter of her life again? However, the idea of running into Daniel once more was too alluring. "I would adore that," she answered.

They made plans to meet the following Saturday at a tiny coffee shop in the West Village. Over the next several days, Emily wondered if they might continue where they left off, living in a state of nervous excitement as she relived their college days.

When Saturday finally arrived, Emily was standing outside the coffee shop, her heart racing. Daniel appeared to be as anxious as she was when she saw him seated at a table by the window. When he noticed her, he got up, a smile lighting across his face that made Emily's heart skip a beat.

"Emily," he called her, embracing her. "It's so good to see you."

"You too," she said, taking in his signature perfume aroma.

After they took a seat, the discussion started as naturally as it had on the internet. They discussed their careers, friendships, and preferred spots in the city. Emily laughed harder than she has in months when Daniel told her about his dog, Max.

Taking a drink of her latte, she remarked, "I can't believe you're here." "It feels like no time has passed at all."

Daniel nodded, gaze locked on hers. "I know," he said. "It feels as though we are continuing where we left off."

They laughed and talked for hours until the sun started to set in the coffee shop. Daniel turned to face her as they left.Would you like to go for a walk? Max and I often go to a park in the area."

After Emily gave her consent, they walked through the city's streets, enjoying the fresh, chilly evening air. When they arrived at the park, Daniel showed her where to sit so she could see a little pond. They observed the ducks swimming past while they sat in cozy silence.

Daniel whispered to himself, "I've missed this." "I've missed you."

A sensation of warmth coursed through Emily's chest. She said, "I've missed you too." "I didn't realize how much until I saw your name pop up on Facebook."

Daniel looked at her, serious in his attitude. "Emily, I don't mean to come across as insane, but... would you think we could do this again? Even after years have passed, I still find myself wondering about what we had."

Emily's pulse pounded. Although she had the same question, it became genuine when she heard Daniel express it aloud. Slightly above a whisper, she murmured, "I don't think it's crazy." "I’ve been thinking the same thing."

Lost in their own world, they sat there with the bustling city all around them. Daniel clasped her hand and entwined their digits. He uttered, "Let's not waste any more time."

Emily gave him a grin and held his hand. "Less time wasted, please," she said.

Emily experienced a calmness that she hadn't experienced in years as they made their way back to the subway. Perhaps this time was finally perfect for them. Perhaps they would get it right this time. Emily came to the realization that sometimes the best connections are the ones you never truly lose when they stood on the platform waiting for the train.

### End

This story demonstrates how the power of social media can revive old fires even years after they have burned out, perfectly capturing the essence of reconnecting in the digital age. How was the story to you?