Before We Were Strangers

To the green-eyed lovebirds:

We met about 15 years ago, the day I was moving my belongings into the New York University dormitory next door to yours in Senior House.
You called us fast friends. I’d like to think it was more than that.
We loved the excitement of music (you were crazy about Jeff Buckley), photography (I couldn’t stop taking pictures of you), hanging out in Washington Square Park, and money. There was nothing alive except all the weird things I did to find out. . I learned more about myself this year than usual. But somehow everything fell apart. The summer after graduation, when I went to South America to work for National Geographic, we lost touch. When I came back, you were gone. Even after the wedding, I still wonder if I pushed you too hard…

We just met again a month ago. It was Wednesday. You turned on your heel, balancing on the thick yellow lines that ran along the subway platform, waiting for the F train. I didn’t know it was you until it was too late, and then you were gone. Also. you said my name I could see it on your lips. I tried to stop the train to say hello. After meeting you, all the emotions and memories of my youth came back to me, and I spent almost a month thinking about what your life is like now. I may be completely crazy, but why don’t you join me for a drink and reflect on the past decade and a half?
M

From the author of USA TODAY bestsellers “Sweet Thing” and “Nowhere But Here,” a love story inspired by a Craigslist post, “Missed Connection.” Giving the couple a second chance at love 15 years after they broke up in New York City.