Speechless

She said it would never work out for them and the truth is she was right.

“I’m older than you! It’s never going to work out.”
“But, Susan, it’s only five years, and I love you.”
Susan’s eyes filled with frustration. “You’re twenty, Tyler, and I’m twenty-five. I graduated high school before you. I graduated college before you. I’ve lived more life than you have. You’re sweet, but it’s over.”
Silence crashed between them.
Tyler slowly closed the engagement ring box, his trembling fingers lingering on the velvet lid. He swallowed hard, fighting tears. Shaking his head, he whispered, “You’re wrong.”
Three years passed.
Standing before the elephant enclosure at the zoo, Tyler smiled as a playful calf splashed water over delighted children.
“Tyler? Is that you?”
He turned. “Susan… wow. It’s been a long time.”
She forced a smile. “Tyler, I want to apologize for being so blunt three years ago, but I’m sure you know by now it was for the best.”
He looked at her calmly.
“You weren’t wrong, Susan. You were right about one thing. It never would have worked out with you.”
Before she could answer, a cheerful woman pushed a baby stroller beside him.
“Tyler, I found the cutest elephant hat for little Ty!”
Susan stared, speechless.
Tyler smiled warmly. “Susan, I’d like you to meet my wife, Caroline.”
Caroline blinked, then laughed softly. “Susan? I recognize you. You were in the graduating class of 1974.”
Susan nodded weakly.
“That’s right,” Caroline continued. “I was class of 1972. So… is your husband here too?”
Susan lowered her eyes.
“I’m still single.”
Caroline squeezed Tyler’s hand. “Well, maybe someday you’ll find a wonderful man like my Tyler.”
Susan watched their happy family disappear, realizing that maybe dating the eighteen year old copy boy wasn't that far fetched.