On my thirtieth birthday, my mother-in-law raised a toast with the words: «To our silly girl from a poor family who lives off our money», and my husband started laughing loudly at that. Then my father stood up from the table and did something that made my mother-in-law freeze in place…

I suddenly saw what a real man should be, and realized how far I was from that ideal. I felt a sting in my eyes from tears; the image of Dad, pale but determined, walking to the center of the hall to defend my honor, stayed in my memory forever. That’s who he is, I said quietly, always has been.

Kyle turned to me. I want to apologize to him personally. Do you think he’ll agree to meet me? I thought.

Dad never spoke badly of Kyle, even after everything. I think yes; he’s not one to hold grudges. Thanks; Kyle looked sincerely grateful.

We fell silent again. I looked at this new Kyle: more mature, more real, and thought about what his father said: can people change, do they deserve a second chance? «Paula,» Kyle said, breaking the silence; «I’m leaving in a week, going back to London; work there, a project I started.»

I see. But before leaving, I’d like to ask you something. I looked at him warily.

What? Not what you think; he smiled weakly. I won’t ask you to come back to me. I’d just like to have dinner with you, once, as friends, or even not as friends, but as two people who were once close and want to say goodbye properly.

I hesitated. Part of me wanted to agree; «Kyle really changed,» and I was curious to learn what he’d become; another part feared reopening old wounds. «I don’t know, Kyle,» I said honestly. «I understand,» he nodded, «no need to answer now.

Here’s my card with the phone number. If you decide you’re ready for this dinner, call. If not, I’ll understand.»

He handed me a small white card. I took it, noticing no logo of his father’s company, just name and contacts. «I should go,» Kyle said, heading to the door.

«Thanks for listening.» At the threshold, he turned. «And, Paula, I’m glad you’re doing well; you deserve happiness.»

When the door closed behind him, I stood in the hallway for a long time, looking at the card in my hand; then slowly went to the living room and sat in the chair, trying to sort my feelings. What did I feel for Kyle now: not love, no; those feelings had long cooled, but not hate, not anger. Rather, a mix of curiosity and caution.

He’d changed; that was obvious. But were these changes enough to give him a second chance, even for friendship? I didn’t know the answer; put the card on the coffee table and decided to think later. The next day, I told my parents about Kyle’s visit.

We had dinner at their place; Mom made her signature cabbage pie; Dad opened a bottle of wine; their small apartment was always cozy, smelling of home-cooked food and fresh flowers Mom loved to put in vases. «And what did you decide?» Dad asked when I finished the story. «Don’t know,» I shook my head; part of me wants to agree, just out of curiosity; another says better leave it as is.

«And what does your heart say?» Mom asked quietly. I thought. It’s silent.

«I don’t love him anymore, if that’s what you mean. You don’t have to love someone to give them a chance to fix their mistakes,» Dad said. «Sometimes it’s needed not for them, but for yourself.»

What do you mean? Forgiveness frees not only the forgiven but also the forgiver. «Maybe this dinner will help you finally let go of the past?» I looked at Dad in surprise; after everything, he remained wise and magnanimous.

«Would you agree to meet him?» I asked. «Yes,» Dad nodded. «If he’s really changed, I’ll be glad to see it with my own eyes.» «Me too,» Mom added.

«There’s good in every person, even if deeply hidden.» I smiled. My parents always knew how to see the best in people without losing common sense.

«Okay,» I said, «I’ll think.» I thought for two more days; recalled our marriage with Kyle, good moments and bad; recalled his words, his face during our last meeting; and finally resolved. I called him in the evening.

«Hi, Kyle; it’s Paula. Hi,» his voice sounded surprised but joyful. «I’m glad you called.

I agree to dinner,» I said directly, «but only as friends, nothing more.» «Of course,» he agreed hastily, «only as friends. Thanks, Paula.»

We agreed to meet at a small restaurant in the city center, not the Bellagio; for both of us, that place evoked too heavy memories. On the appointed day, I spent a long time choosing what to wear; wanted to look good but not create the impression I tried too hard. Ended up with a simple black dress and a pearl necklace, a gift from parents for my thirtieth.

Kyle was already waiting at the restaurant. He stood when he saw me enter, his face lighting up with a smile. «You look wonderful,» he said as I approached the table.

«Thanks; you too.» It was true; London clearly did him good. He looked fit, tanned; a spark appeared in his eyes that wasn’t there before.

Dinner started a bit stiffly. We both didn’t know what to talk about, feared touching sore topics. But gradually, with each glass of wine, the atmosphere became more relaxed.

Kyle talked about his life in London, work at the startup developing apps for charities. For the first time since we met, I saw him truly passionate about what he does. «It doesn’t bring big money,» he said, «but I feel I’m doing something useful, helping people.»

I talked about my work at the magazine, a new series of articles on city social issues assigned to me. «I read your articles,» Kyle said unexpectedly, «found them online; they’re very strong.» Really? I was surprised; he never showed interest in my work before…