LOOK LEFT, LOOK RIGHT, STEP FORWARD BY The Gent

On a crisp, cold day just before Christmas, Jack found himself at the gym, just as he did three times a week. He had long given up hope of finding a new love, but the routine helped him stay in shape and clear his mind. As he went through his workout routine, Christmas memories from the past began to flood his thoughts. Twenty-five years ago, on a snowy Christmas Eve, Jack had driven through a relentless snowstorm to surprise his college girlfriend with a Christmas gift. It was a pure gesture of love that he had hoped would seal their future together. He dreamed of marrying her after graduation, but life had other plans. Circumstances had pulled them apart, and they eventually lost touch. It was a different time now; he had accepted that they were just memories of a bygone era. Then, something extraordinary happened. Jack couldn't believe his eyes as he finished his workout and headed towards the locker rooms. A woman, who looked strikingly like his college girlfriend, walked into the female locker. It couldn't be Maggie. Twenty-five years had passed, and they had surely moved on with their lives. His heart raced as he approached the gym's front desk. Trying not to sound too anxious, he asked the attendant, "Excuse me, can you tell me the name of the woman who just entered the locker room?"

The attendant glanced at him curiously and replied, "Oh, that's Maggie. She's been a member here for a while.” Jack's heart skipped. Maggie. The name sent a jolt through his veins. It couldn't be a coincidence. The door to the female locker room swung open, and there she was. It was her. The same sparkling eyes, smile, and warmth he had remembered from all those years ago. She walked over to him without a second thought, and their eyes met. "Where the hell have you been?" she asked, her voice trembling. Jack couldn't believe it. His college sweetheart was standing right in front of him. It felt like time had stood still.

They decided to go for coffee, and as they sat across from each other, the years of separation fell away as they caught up on everything. Maggie had a wonderful family, Her life had been a good one. There were tears of joy, laughter, and shared memories. They talked for a few hours and then reluctantly had to say their goodbyes. They parted with a gentle kiss. Jack couldn't bear the thought of seeing her regularly at the gym and being reminded of the life they could have had together. It was too painful, and he didn't want to disrupt the beautiful family she had built.

That Christmas, he decided not to attend that gym anymore. It was a bittersweet farewell, but it was the best gift he could have received that holiday season—a chance to reconnect with a lost love, Maggie, and carry the warmth of that gift with him into the future, leaving the past where it belonged.

Has something similar ever happened to you? Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and have a Healthy New Year. 🎅🏼 🕎 🎉JG