A Bag of Memories

I strolled through the bustling mall with my usual swagger. Viola “Vild” Stevens, they called me—the girl with a wit as sharp as a blade, a sense of adventure that could bring the house down, and a wardrobe full of confidence. I had an attitude to match, always ready with a snarky quip or a playful remark. Laughing was a everyday occurrence in my company. That was just the way of things.

And so today was another day in the life of the indomitable Viola. Little did I know, this day would be different—profoundly different.

As I breezed through the mall, my bag dangled casually from my shoulder. It was a mishmash of colors and patterns, a testament to my eclectic style. Inside, my world resided—the lipstick collection that could rival a cosmetics store, my phone, wallet, and a collection of quirky trinkets. My bag was like a treasure chest of memories, and I couldn't imagine losing it.

But life has a way of surprising you when you least expect it.

I had just finished a witty exchange with a barista at the coffee shop when I realized it—the bag was gone. Panic seized me as I frantically searched the immediate vicinity, my mind racing with thoughts of my lost treasures.

Then I heard a voice, a familiar voice that sent shivers down my spine.

"You dropped this."

I turned to find a tall, slightly awkward man holding my bag. It was Jordan—Jordan Blanc, my childhood friend, and partner-in-crime from the days of building treehouses and staging make-believe battles in the backyard. He had the same shock of unruly brown hair, the same pair of glasses perched on his nose, and the same earnest expression that always made me laugh.

"Jordan?" I stuttered, stunned into momentary silence.

He smiled sheepishly. "It's been a while, Viola."

Fourteen years had passed since we had last seen each other, and Jordan had certainly grown. But the essence of who he was—the gentle soul who could always make me smile—remained unchanged.

"You found my bag!" I exclaimed, relief washing over me as I rushed to reclaim my treasure.

Jordan nodded. "I saw it on the ground, and when I saw your name on the ID, I remembered you. It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah, since our epic water balloon fight at your tenth birthday party."

He laughed too, a little nervously. "I can't believe you remember that."

"Oh, I remember everything, Jordan," I teased, my wit kicking back in and the panic melting away. “You should see the lengths I go to win an argument."

Jordan's smile widened, and it was as if the years had melted away. We started catching up, reminiscing about the good old days. He told me about his job as a librarian and how he had always been a fan of books. I shared my adventures in the world of marketing, regaling him with stories of my quirky coworkers and my penchant for sarcastic one-liners. I loved my sense humor and thankfully, so did he.

As we chatted, I couldn't help but notice how the shyness that had defined Jordan's personality as a child had transformed into a quiet confidence. He listened intently to my stories, interjecting with his own anecdotes and observations.

Hours passed in what felt like minutes, and it was time for me to go. I hesitated, suddenly feeling a longing for more time with this childhood friend who had unexpectedly reappeared in my life.

"You know," Jordan said, his voice almost a whisper, "I'm really glad I found your bag today, Viola. I've missed having you around."

His words struck a chord deep within me. I had spent years building a tough exterior, but beneath it all, I had missed the simplicity and warmth of a childhood friendship.

I looked at him, and for the first time, I saw something more than just a friend from the past. There was a connection, a bond that had stood the test of time and had only grown stronger with the years.

"Jordan," I said, my voice softening, "I've missed you too."

We stood there for a moment, our eyes locked in a powerful connection that transcended words. And then, as if drawn by an invisible force, we leaned in and kissed.

It was a kiss filled with the memories of childhood, the laughter of youth, and the promise of a shared future. In that moment, I knew that Jordan was no longer just an old friend I had stumbled into; he was going to be the love of my life, the missing piece I didn’t know I needed, but one that had been there all along.

As we walked away from the mall, hand in hand, my bag slung casually over my shoulder, I couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected twist of fate that had brought us back together. The bag that had been lost had, in fact, helped me find something I had been searching for all my life—a love that was powerful, enduring, and as unique as this witty girl and the shy boy -duo, that had finally reunited after fourteen long years. Who would have thought? I wouldn’t, but oh how much more colorful my life would be from now on.