Soren was right on time with a big bouquet of beautiful purple lilacs. “There she is!” he said when I opened the door. “Man, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes!” He kissed my cheek, and I hugged him, thanking him for the flowers.

We had a lovely dinner together, but I was distracted, and I knew he could tell.

I did my best to stay tuned in to what he was saying, and he did his best to entertain me. I laughed at his jokes and smiled at his stories– but I saw in ...