Fifteen years after graduation, I returned for our class time capsule. Among the items I’d placed inside was a locket from my former boyfriend, Brian, who had broken up with me suddenly, saying I had “ruined everything.” I never understood why—until the capsule revealed its contents years later.
Inside, I found a letter from my former best friend, Jess. She confessed to spreading a false rumor that I’d cheated, even forging messages to convince Brian. Her jealousy had caused years of pain, but reading her words brought a mix of anger, sadness, and unexpected relief.
When I confronted Jess, she admitted her mistake and asked to rebuild our friendship. I didn’t forgive her right away, but I left the door open, recognizing the friend I had once trusted and hoping she could earn that place again.
Brian also reached out, expressing regret for believing the lie and missing the chance to hear my side. Now living in New York, he asked for a date to create new memories. I agreed—with one playful condition: he had to win me a new locket. For the first time in years, I felt a spark of hope.
