Next day..
His sister, Cynthia, noticed the change in him almost immediately. He was happier, more energetic, and less withdrawn.
"Someone's been spending a lot of time out lately," she teased one evening, as he was heading out the door. "Let me guess, you're meeting Flora?"
Elias blushed, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Maybe," he mumbled.
Cynthia grinned. "So, it's serious, then?"
"I…I don't know," he stammered. "It's still early."
Cynthia raised an eyebrow. "Early? You've been seeing her for months! Come on, Elias, spill the details.
Elias chuckled. "You sound like Mom."
"Hey, I'm just looking out for you," Cynthia said, her tone softening. "You deserve to be happy."
Cynthia had always taken a keen interest in Elias's love life, or rather, the lack thereof. She'd playfully teased him about his shyness and his tendency to overthink things. She'd always been supportive, offering advice and encouragement, but never pushing him too hard.