Ella's POV
The last day of September was quiet, with the soft hum of the afternoon fading into the golden light that spilled through my bedroom window. I sat there, brush in hand, painting slow strokes across the canvas. It was peaceful, but something inside me felt off, like there was a weight in the air, pressing down gently on my chest. I couldn’t explain it, but my mind drifted in circles, lost in the mix of colors and thoughts.
A soft knock broke the stillness.
“Ella, you in there?” It was Lily’s voice, gentle but with a playful edge. I smiled a little, putting the brush down.
“Yeah, come in.”
Lily pushed the door open and leaned against the frame, her usual bright smile on her face. “You’ve been in here all day, girl. How are you holding up?”
I shrugged, wiping some paint off my hands. “I’m fine. Just... thinking, I guess.”
Lily gave me a knowing look, like she could see through my words. She walked over and sat on the edge of my bed, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. “You need to get out of here. Get some fresh air or something.”
I raised an eyebrow, confused. “What do you mean?”
She smiled, standing up and pulling me gently by the hand. “Get dressed. We’re going somewhere. Trust me, it’ll lift your mood.”
I hesitated for a second, but the look in Lily’s eyes told me she had something planned. Maybe a walk or some ice cream, something simple. I needed a distraction anyway, so I nodded, standing up to grab my jacket.
“Alright, but where are we going?”
Lily grinned, clearly keeping something hidden. “You’ll see.”
---
The drive was quiet at first, just the sound of the road beneath us and the cool breeze coming through the window. Lily had a calm expression, like she knew something I didn’t. It made me even more curious. After a while, she reached over and turned on the radio, and a soft, familiar song started to play. I leaned back, letting the music fill the car. It eased some of the nerves I didn’t realize were there.
“Lily, what is this about?” I asked, glancing at her.
She just winked, keeping her eyes on the road. “Patience, Ella. You’ll find out soon enough.”
---
When we arrived at the park, the sun was already dipping low, painting the sky with soft pinks and oranges. The park itself was almost empty, just the trees swaying gently in the breeze, and a few birds chirping in the distance. I felt a strange mix of calm and anticipation settle over me.
Lily parked the car and turned to me with a mischievous smile. “I need to use the bathroom real quick, but you should head over that way. I’ll catch up.”
I blinked, watching her as she practically dashed off, leaving me standing by the car. Something was definitely up, but before I could question it, I turned toward the path she pointed to.
And then I saw him.
Ethan stood there, at the far end of the path, dressed in a simple blue polo and white pants. A soft lamp light was glowing on the grass nearby, casting a warm and gentle glow around him. He held a single flower in his hand, and when he saw me, a warm, familiar smile spread across his face. My heart skipped a beat, and I froze for a second, taking in the moment.
“Ella,” he greeted, walking toward me, his voice soft but clear.
I felt my cheeks warm as I took a deep breath, meeting him halfway. “Ethan... what’s going on?” At first he didn't answered my question, Ethan compliment how beautiful I am with my dress. It made my heart race, I could feel the heat through my face.
He noticed it and smiled, offering me the flower. “I wanted to make this last day of September special. I planned this for us. A little reminder of how much you mean to me.”
My heart swelled, and I took the flower, feeling a rush of emotions all at once. “This is beautiful, Ethan,” I whispered, not sure what else to say.
He gestured toward the grass, where a blanket was laid out with some snacks, a little picnic, just like when we were kids. There was this little lamp light all over the picnic blanket, it's so romantic. I smiled as inside of me melted, the effort Ethan put is beyond amazing. And I couldn’t help but laugh a little, the memories flooding back. We sat down together, side by side, the quiet park around us.
For a while, we just talked. About everything and nothing, reminiscing about when we were younger, the summers we spent here. But there was something more in Ethan’s eyes tonight, something deeper. I could feel it, even though he hadn’t said it yet.
Then, after a quiet moment, Ethan cleared his throat, his hand reaching for something in his pocket. My heart raced as he pulled out a small, folded piece of paper.
“I’ve been working on something,” he said softly. “I wanted to share it with you.”
I leaned in, my curiosity piqued. Ethan unfolded the paper and began to read.
“Ella, from the first day we met,  
In a world so big, you were my light.  
Every day we’ve shared, every simple moment,  
Has made my heart take flight.  
I’ve watched you grow, I’ve seen your smile,  
Through every high and low,  
And all I’ve ever wanted,  
Is for you to truly know.  
I’ve loved you since we were kids,  
Through every laugh, every tear.  
So on this last day of September,  
I’m here to make it clear.  
I love you more than words can say,  
You’re my heart’s own song.  
And with you, Ella, always,  
Is where I truly belong.”
His voice trembled slightly, but the words were perfect, each one hitting me like a wave of warmth and emotion. I stared at him, my heart racing, my eyes already filling with tears.
“Ethan... I don’t know what to say,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
“You don’t have to say anything, Ella,” he said, his hand reaching for mine. “I just needed you to know. I’ve always loved you. And I always will.”
Tears slipped down my cheeks, but I smiled, my heart full. I felt like everything was finally falling into place, like the world around us had just stopped, leaving only us and this moment.
“I love you, Ethan,”I finally said, my voice shaking but sure. “I always have.”
And just like that, everything felt right. The last day of September, the park, the memories, all of it. It was our moment, and nothing else mattered.
We sat there for a while longer, under the fading light and the gentle glow of the lamp, just soaking in the peace, the love, and the quietness of knowing that, finally, we were where we were meant to be.
This day is indeed,
The Summer We One Had In September.