22/02/2025
AFTER 50 YEARS, MY GRANDMA RECEIVED A VALENTINE'S CARD FROM HER FIRST LOVE — I DECIDED TO REUNITE THEM “Natalie! I can’t find my glasses. Who is this letter from?” I took the envelope. The handwriting was neat, unfamiliar. Turning it over, I read the name aloud. “Todd.” She froze. “Todd?” Her voice was barely a whisper. Before I could ask, she snatched the letter, hands trembling as she tore it open. A small Valentine’s card and a folded note slipped out. She handed them to me. “Read it.” I unfolded the card first. “‘I still love you,’” I read, my chest tightening. She didn’t react, eyes locked on the note. “And the letter?” I took a breath. “My dearest Mary, fifty years ago, we had one night. A night that changed me forever. I never forgot you, but you never came to the train station in Paris, and you broke my heart.” My grandmother sat frozen. I continued. “But I found you through your granddaughter’s social media. If that night meant anything, meet me at the New York train station, same day, same time. Forever yours, Todd.” Silence filled the room. My throat tightened. Tears slipped down my grandmother’s face. “Who is Todd?” I asked. She wiped her eyes. “The only man I ever truly loved.” I stared at her. “What about Grandpa?” She looked down at the letter. “I loved him, but Todd… Todd was different. We met in Paris. I was a tourist, he was a student. We spent one perfect night walking the city, talking. The next morning, I flew home. We promised to meet one year later, same day, same station.” I held my breath. “And?” Her smile faded. “My mother died. Her funeral was the same day. I had no way to tell him.” I exhaled slowly. “So you never saw him again?” She shook her head. “What day was it?” Her voice was barely audible. “February 14.” I stared at the letter. “The most romantic day of the year, in the most romantic city on Earth.” A sad smile touched her lips. “You have to go meet him,” I said.👇