It snowed heavily that day. To keep the date special, I wore only a short coat. The snowflakes blew into my boots, making my skin feel cold and damp. I waited at the school entrance until nine, rubbing my hands and stamping my feet.
His phone was unreachable—probably dead again.
Eventually, I left the gift at his dormitory building and headed back. After ten, he finally called me to come downstairs.
I was too angry to move, and he just stood there. Eventually, seeing his figure in the snowy haze softened my heart.
When I got there, he hugged me tightly, his cold body pressing against mine. "I'm sorry, Josephine. The restaurant was so busy tonight that the manager offered me triple pay!
"I didn't mean to ignore your calls. You know my phone is so old, I never know when it's out of battery.
"I got your gift. Look, I'm using it now. You don't have to worry about me not answering anymore. I promise I'll never ignore your calls or messages again.
"Forgive me. Look, I even bought you some coffee on my way back."
I forgave him easily over a cup of cold coffee.
At that time, I believed that his picking my card out of thousands was a special fate that brought us together.