Awakening to the piercing rays of sunlight, I glanced at the nearby clock, registering the early hour of seven in the morning. With a resigned sigh, I rolled over, only to feel the unexpected pressure of an arm draped around me. A wave of alarm washed over me, a brief, panicked thought of being kidnapped. But as I scanned the room, a sense of familiarity set in. It was Hayden's room, our room when we were married.

Turning slowly, I came face-to-face with a slumbering Hayden. My breath hitched in my chest. It was him. Truly him. Tears welled up in my eyes at the sight of him so close, a tangible presence next to me. Hesitant, I reached out, my hand ghosting over his familiar features. The sensation was the same, unchanged. I traced my thumb against his cheek, marveling at the beauty of his resting face, wishing to stay in this moment forever.

Hayden stirred, awakening without me withdrawing my hand. I needed to engrave this moment in my memory. "Why are you up so early? Is everything alright?" His grey-blue eyes, a color I adored, were full of concern. Last time I saw them, they were stormy with anger.

"I missed you," I confessed. His brows knitted in confusion.

"What do you mean? I've been here, all day and night."

Shaking my head while still maintaining the intimate contact, I admitted, "But you weren't. You left me. You shattered me." His response was to take my hand, pressing a kiss to it, stirring butterflies in my stomach.

"I am here, Allison. I will always be here. I can't bear the thought of leaving you. You are mine." His words resonated in the silence.

Tears streamed down my face as I clung to his promise, to him.

"Don't leave me, Hayden. Please. I want to be here with you. Stay with me," my plea was muffled in his shirt as he encircled me with his arms. "I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying here, forever and ever," he assured me.

Pulling back, I scrutinized his face, memorizing every detail. "I love you, Hayden. So much. I love you to the sun and back," I confessed, longing for this moment to never end. His smile mirrored mine, "I love you too, Allison. So much. I love you to the moon and back, and back around." He drew me in, our lips meeting in a fervent exchange that was all too familiar.

Suddenly, my eyes sprung open, the daylight blinding. Frantically scanning the room for Hayden, the crushing realization dawned - it was all a dream. My cheeks were damp with tears. Desperation gripped me as I yearned to return to that dream. His voice, his face, it all felt so tangible. But it was all an illusion, as fake as his love, our marriage, and the affection he showed me.

The sight of an empty space beside me was a cruel reminder. He always slept on the right side of the bed, while I favored the left. It was our routine, a pattern that I still follow. I couldn't help but think that breaking this routine would somehow unravel the world. It's absurd, I know, but it's a vestige of a life we once shared, a piece of a dream that felt too real.

I shake my head in disappointment as I rise from the bed and retrieve some clothes. Making my way to the bathroom, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and the sight is disheartening. Time has taken its toll since I left Hayden. My once auburn brown hair has darkened, appearing closer to dark brown, and my once vibrant amber eyes now resemble plain brown.

Even my fair skin seems lifeless, almost resembling paper. I've also lost weight, shedding the slight plumpness I used to have, which Hayden seemed to appreciate. Shaking my head once again, I turn on the shower, hoping to wash away the memories of him and the troubling dream.

The water cascades over me, but my shower is brief. Afterward, I quickly get dressed and make my way to the living room, where Dorothy is munching on a bowl of cereal. I force a smile as I enter, concealing my sadness.

"Where did you go yesterday?" I inquire, attempting to engage in casual conversation. She shrugs nonchalantly. "Just went to this bar, wasn't really my thing. But I did meet a few guys," she replies. Nodding in response, I take a seat after grabbing some cereal for myself.

"We should head out soon, considering it's our day off," I suggest, my voice masking my inner turmoil. Dorothy agrees, stating her intention to shower and get ready.

She proposes a plan for the day: shopping, followed by a meal, and then catching a movie, leaving the choice of film to me. I nod in agreement, and she heads off to prepare while I retreat to my room to ready myself. Afterward, I check online to see what's currently showing.

A particular movie catches my interest, and I note the screening time with a smile. Dorothy enters my room, all dressed and prepared.

"So, did you find something good to watch?" she asks. I nod, a hint of excitement in my voice.

"I'd like to see a movie called 'How to Be Single.' It starts at ten-thirty, giving us plenty of time to shop first." Dorothy expresses her approval, exclaiming, "Awesome!"

We leave the house once we're both ready, making our way to the mall. Dorothy steps out of the car, and I follow suit. As expected, the mall is bustling with activity. We enter and begin browsing.

"I want to check out the clothing store," Dorothy suggests, pointing in its direction. I agree, and we make our way there, navigating through the crowd.

Inside the store, Dorothy heads to the skirts and dresses section. Personally, I can tolerate dresses, but they aren't my preference. However, in the past, Hayden would insist on me wearing dresses all the time, wanting to showcase my beauty to others. I reluctantly complied with his wishes. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I focus on browsing the shirts instead. I select three that catch my eye, while Dorothy settles on three dresses and four shirts.

With our choices made, we move on to a few other stores, purchasing a few more items along the way. Soon enough, we find ourselves laden with four bags each. Hunger pangs reminding us of our neglected stomachs, we decide to find a place to eat. Dorothy settles across from me, enjoying her Chinese food, while I quietly consume a sandwich, lost in my own thoughts.

"What's going on, Allison?" she asks, her voice filled with concern. I gaze at her, puzzled.

"What do you mean?" I inquire. She gives me a knowing look and rolls her eyes.

"Don't play dumb. I've been watching you mope around. Tell me what's bothering you." I let out a sigh, realizing I can't keep it hidden from her. "It's just... he's been on my mind," I admit. Dorothy looks at me, sympathy evident in her eyes.

"It's been two years, Allison. You need to move on." I shake my head, knowing it's easier said than done.

"It's not that simple, Dorothy. We were married for five years, and we dated for who knows how long. I can't just forget about him." She sighs, her voice filled with compassion.

"But it has been two years. Two long years for you to try and forget about him. You have to move on.

He's not coming back. And I'm willing to bet he's still involved with that secretary chick, the one he cheated on you with. He's moved on, so should you." I look at her, knowing deep down she's right. I did have two years to move on, yet I find myself thinking of him every day. He did betray me. He did leave me for another woman. But I can't seem to erase him from my mind.

"Come on, the movie is about to start," she urges. I nod slowly, following her lead.

We exit the mall and head to the movie theater. Upon arrival, we purchase our tickets, and it's time to acquire the essentials: popcorn, sodas, and of course, candy. Dorothy focuses on selecting her desired candies while I head towards the popcorn counter. Finally, it's my turn to order.

"Hey, what can I get for you?" the guy behind the counter asks. I put on a polite smile and meet his gaze.

"Could I have a large popcorn with butter, please?" I request. The guy nods, jotting it down.

"Anything else?" I nod affirmatively.

"And two medium-sized sodas, please." He acknowledges my order and departs to prepare it. Meanwhile, Dorothy returns with an assortment of four different candies and a hot dog.

"I'll go save us some seats," she declares, and then she scampers off. I stand there, patiently waiting for the food to be ready.

"Here you go," the attendant says, handing me the items. I nod my thanks.

"Please come again soon," he says, flashing a friendly smile. I take the food and beverages, making my way to the theater. After scanning the dimly lit room, I eventually locate Dorothy seated in the middle. I take a seat beside her, grateful that the movie hasn't started yet.

"Did you get the guy's number?" she whispers, a mischievous glint in her eyes. I glance at her, whispering back, "Whose number?" She responds with an exaggerated eye roll.

"No, I didn't get his number," she grumbles, turning her attention to the big screen. I roll my eyes, finding her reaction a bit childish. Letting out a sigh, I focus on the movie, laughing along with the rest of the audience. However, to my dismay, Dorothy manages to devour the entire popcorn within five minutes, leaving me with a disapproving glare.

"What?" she whispers innocently. I shake my head and announce, "I'm going to get more." She smiles, and I make my way to the front counter to fulfill my mission. Sighing, I approach the counter, finding the same guy engaged in conversation with a girl. Clearing my throat to get his attention, he looks at me and flashes a smile.

"Hello again. What can I do for you?" I nod in response.

"I need another large popcorn, please." He acknowledges my request and walks away to prepare it. "Is the movie good?" he asks. I nod. "Yeah, it's pretty funny." He nods in agreement. "I hardly ever get to watch the movies, even though I work here." I frown sympathetically. "That must be tough." He nods and returns with the popcorn, adding a little extra.

"Here's your popcorn, and a little something extra," he says, placing a large popcorn and a pack of gummy candies on the counter. I look at him in surprise.

"Thanks." He nods.

"Enjoy, and come back soon," he says, giving me a playful wink. Blushing slightly, I walk away, trying to compose myself. It's been a while since someone flirted with me, and at twenty-seven, it feels refreshing.

Returning to the theater, I settle back into my seat, pretending that nothing out of the ordinary happened. Dorothy looks at me, a knowing smile on her face, likely aware of the encounter. I simply shake my head and refocus on the movie, indulging in the gummy candies the guy gave me.

An hour later, the movie concludes, and Dorothy and I join the rest of the crowd in leaving the theater and entering the main lobby. Glancing towards the counter, I spot the guy once again.

"Go talk to him! Get his number," Dorothy urges. I look at her and let out a sigh.

"Fine, I'll do it," I concede, knowing she won't let me leave without either of us getting a number. Gathering my courage, I approach the counter and clear my throat.

The guy looks up at me, and I say, "It's not about more candy now that the movie is over. I just came to talk to you. My friend won't stop bothering me." He glances behind me, and I turn to see Dorothy waving enthusiastically.

The guy waves back and chuckles. "I have friends like that too, so I understand," he says. I nod and continue the conversation.

"So, how was the movie?" he asks. I shrug.

"It was good, but you know, not the best." He raises an eyebrow inquisitively.

"Why not?" I shrug once again.

"Chick flicks and romantic movies aren't really my thing," I confess, recalling a time when they used to be. "Why not?" he asks, intrigued. Letting out a sigh, I absentmindedly trace patterns on the glass counter, which displays an array of tempting candies.

"It's the whole love story that doesn't resonate with me. They all feel the same—fights, heartbreaks, and then a contrived happy ending. I prefer it when the guy has the courage to end it before it falls apart again,"

"I was once married. Fell in love, but you know." He looks down at my left finger, seeing it empty with no ring.

"Ahhh...what did he do?" I roll my eyes, trying to erase the memory.

"He found love wit his secretary. Cheated on me, wanted a divorce saying he didn't love me." I let out a hard laugh.

"I really shouldn't be telling you this. I just barely met you and I am telling you my whole life story." I say. He shakes his head looking calm.

"It's okay. We all have a story that defines us. I can tell you that I had also been heart broken. Not married, but heart broken." I nod my head, standing up straight.

"It has been two years. I am over it.-" No I am not. "-He has moved and I should too." I say. He nods his head.

"Yeah. You should. You don't deserve him either way and he doesn't deserve you." I smile.

"I never got you name. It is weird not knowing your name even though I am telling you everything about me." I say. He chuckles, his laughter light.

"My name is Preston but people call me Joe." I shake his hand as he sticks his out.

"My name is Allison." He then smiles.

"Beautiful name for a beautiful girl." I let out a light blush. "It wouldn't be a crime if I asked for your number, would it?" Preston asks. I shake my head.

"Not at all." I say. He then smiles brightly and he gives me a pen and a paper. I take it and write my number on it before handing it to him.

"Great. Thanks. I will call you." He says. I nod my head.

"Enjoy your day, Preston." I say.

He looks at me. "Enjoy your day, Allison. And, don't mope around that guy again. He didn't deserve you from the start. But, someone out there is waiting for you. Trust me." I nod my head and then walk away. I look up at Dorothy once I arrive in front of her, seeing her with a bright smile.

"Oh my gosh. You two already looked like a happy couple." She says. I roll my eyes.

"Alright. Come on. Lets go." I say. She giggles, but I couldn't help but feel a bit giddy inside. Maybe this is good for me. Moving on. Hayden won't come back and I know that. So, I can't keep thinking about him my whole life, wasting it while he is out there, probably married or still with someone. Maybe I can find love once more.

"No, I didn't get his number," she grumbles, turning her attention to the big screen. I roll my eyes, finding her reaction a bit childish. Letting out a sigh, I focus on the movie, laughing along with the rest of the audience. However, to my dismay, Dorothy manages to devour the entire popcorn within five minutes, leaving me with a disapproving glare.

"What?" she whispers innocently.

I shake my head and announce, "I'm going to get more." She smiles, and I make my way to the front counter to fulfill my mission. Sighing, I approach the counter, finding the same guy engaged in conversation with a girl. Clearing my throat to get his attention, he looks at me and flashes a smile.

"Hello again. What can I do for you?" I nod in response.

"I need another large popcorn, please." He acknowledges my request and walks away to prepare it.

"Is the movie good?" he asks. I nod. "Yeah, it's pretty funny." He nods in agreement. "I hardly ever get to watch the movies, even though I work here." I frown sympathetically.

"That must be tough." He nods and returns with the popcorn, adding a little extra.

"Here's your popcorn, and a little something extra," he says, placing a large popcorn and a pack of gummy candies on the counter. I look at him in surprise.

"Thanks." He nodded.

"Enjoy, and come back soon," he says, giving me a playful wink. Blushing slightly, I walk away, trying to compose myself. It's been a while since someone flirted with me, and at twenty-seven, it feels refreshing.

Returning to the theater, I settle back into my seat, pretending that nothing out of the ordinary happened. Dorothy looks at me, a knowing smile on her face, likely aware of the encounter.

I simply shake my head and refocus on the movie, indulging in the gummy candies the guy gave me. An hour later, the movie concludes, and Dorothy and I join the rest of the crowd in leaving the theater and entering the main lobby. Glancing towards the counter, I spot the guy once again.

"Go talk to him! Get his number," Dorothy urges. I look at her and let out a sigh.

"Fine, I'll do it," I concede, knowing she won't let me leave without either of us getting a number. Gathering my courage, I approach the counter and clear my throat.

The guy looks up at me, and I say, "It's not about more candy now that the movie is over. I just came to talk to you. My friend won't stop bothering me." He glances behind me, and I turn to see Dorothy waving enthusiastically. The guy waves back and chuckles.

"I have friends like that too, so I understand," he says. I nod and continue the conversation.

"So, how was the movie?" he asks. I shrug.

"It was good, but you know, not the best." He raises an eyebrow inquisitively.

"Why not?" I shrug once again. "Chick flicks and romantic movies aren't really my thing," I confess, recalling a time when they used to be.

"Why not?" he asks, intrigued. Letting out a sigh, I absentmindedly trace patterns on the glass counter, which displays an array of tempting candies.

"It's the whole love story that doesn't resonate with me. They all feel the same—fights, heartbreaks, and then a contrived happy ending. I prefer it when the guy has the courage to end it before it falls apart again," I frown, realizing that he caught on to my personal sentiments quickly.