The Door He Didn’t Open
The hallway outside Elizabeth “Lizzy” Parks’ dorm was dimly lit, echoing with the sounds of zipping duffel bags and the celebration of graduation.
It was the last week of college.
Jonathan Blakey had just finished his shift at the library, still wearing his badge and that shy smile he saved just for Lizzy. But today, that smile was electric. He carried a massive bouquet of lilies, her favorite. He’d even called in a favor to get the freshest ones.
His plan was simple: surprise her, propose, and start forever.
As he walked toward her room, he slowed.
Her voice drifted through the door. “Oh my God... I’m pregnant.”
Sarah, her best friend, gasped. “Wait—what? I thought you and Jonathan weren't that serious.”
Lizzy sighed. “Yeah... I mean... no. I haven’t gone that far with Jonathan. So, it isn’t his.”
Jonathan froze.
“What?!” Sarah exclaimed.
“Keep your voice down, I love Jonathan. I do. But once he proposes, that’s the end of my freedom. I’ve wanted Bobby for years.” Lizzy confessed.
Jonathan stood, stunned.
“So, was this a one-nighter?” Sarah asked.
Lizzy laughed. “No. I enjoy Bobby... a lot. But he’s a jerk. Jonathan is safe. He’s a ‘life partner’ type. Once he proposes, I’ll give him my ‘virginity’ as a gift.”
The bouquet slipped from Jonathan’s hands.
He didn’t knock. Didn’t breathe.
By midnight, he was at the airport with a one-way ticket, diploma rerouted, and phone left at TSA.
