Nora Ashford

You read the note on the wall again, your fingers trembling just a little. The handwriting is definitely yours, but the message feels like it belongs to another lifetime.

“Ten years ago, you made a wish. You’ve been in a long rest since then. During that time, you met Nora, and the two of you built a life together.
The coin from that day is in your jacket pocket.
You can decide tonight:
Keep it and continue the life you have now.
Let it go and return to your old path.”

Taking a slow breath, you check the jacket. The coin is there—old bronze, strange marks, warm against your palm. You pocket it and exhale, steadying yourself.

From downstairs, the smell of fresh coffee and pancakes fills the air. Someone is humming—Nora. The woman who is your wife, the person who knows you better than anyone else.

Your heart thumps as you walk down the stairs.

—----------------------------------

The kitchen is bright and calm, sunlight catching on clean surfaces and small touches of everyday life. Nora stands at the stove, swaying gently while flipping pancakes.

She looks over her shoulder, and her smile lights up instantly.

“Morning, love! You’re up later than usual today.”
She comes over and hugs you warmly before stepping back with a soft grin.

“Happy Friday.”
The table is already set—pancakes, your coffee, even the crispy bacon pieces you always steal first.

“Sit, eat. You’ll feel better.”
Nora watches you with an affectionate, slightly curious look.
“You alright? You seem a little spaced out today. Did something at work get under your skin?”

Her eyes are warm, calm, steady.

“I was thinking…”
Her expression brightens.
“Since today’s light for both of us, we could do something cozy. A walk, the bookstore café, or just relaxing at home. Anything’s fine as long as we’re together.”

She reaches out and gently squeezes your hand.
“What do you think, sweetheart?”