Another hour had passed, and Peter’s phone was still off. Judy, growing increasingly anxious, sent him a few more text messages, hoping for a reply.

It was already 6 p.m., and Judy opened her laptop, ready for their regular Skype date. Over the past few months, this routine had become a cherished part of their relationship, and they hadn’t missed a single day of communication.

That’s why Judy was taken aback when Peter didn’t show up that evening. Maybe he was in the bathroom, or perhaps talking to his parents—Judy thought to herself. But as the minutes ticked by, then an hour, there was still no sign of Peter. She tried calling him, but his phone was off.

Sitting at her desk, staring at her phone screen in disbelief, Judy’s mind raced with worry. Where could he be?

As another hour passed and Peter still hadn’t contacted her, her worry grew into frustration. She sent him a few more texts, her anxiety mounting with each passing minute. By 10:30 p.m., she had received no word from him.

Finally, Peter’s message arrived: “Can’t talk to you now. Later.” Judy stared at the screen, stunned. After all the time she had spent wondering and worrying, that was all he had to say?

Judy’s heart sank. She felt angry, hurt, and disappointed. Couldn’t he have at least apologized? After everything she had been through in the past few hours, she had expected more than just a curt text. Maybe she had been naive, thinking he would be more considerate, but now she wasn’t so sure. Maybe I’ve been too trusting, too quick to give him the benefit of the doubt, she thought bitterly.

Her mind wandered back to the day they met. It was at a friend’s birthday party, and they had hit it off instantly. Their connection had been undeniable, and within a matter of days, they were inseparable. When she had to move to another city for a new job, Peter had been nothing but supportive, urging her to seize the opportunity. But now, all that seemed distant, uncertain. Maybe I got too carried away by my emotions, Judy thought sadly.

As she lay in bed, her mind spinning with mixed emotions, there came a knock at the door. “Pizza delivery,” came the voice from the other side.

Still feeling a little down, Judy dragged herself out of bed and opened the door. But what she saw took her completely by surprise.

Peter was standing there, on his knees, holding a bouquet in one hand and a small box in the other.

“Surprise!” he said, his face beaming with joy. “I can’t stay away from you anymore. Will you marry me?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with love.

Judy stood frozen for a moment, a flood of emotions rushing over her. Fighting back tears, she said, “You know I don’t like surprises. I was so worried about you.”

Peter remained on his knees, still grinning, as if he knew exactly what her response would be.

With a smile of her own, Judy nodded, “Yes!” And as the words left her mouth, Peter’s grin widened, and they both shared a moment of pure joy.