et

Maybe I even fantasized about this meeting during a few sleepless nights, imagining all the details and what we would sa

ld muster in my voice. "I never would've imagined you

aid with a broad smile. "I had no idea you worked

hadn't healed. The dream of studying in London was just that-a d

k," I had no desire to be f

any customers her

r of the universe and that people should

Anton. I have t

, Pie

ong that conversation and was grateful when a group of people walked into the snack bar at that very moment. I don'

face, but I couldn't help feeling Anton's persistent gaze on me. It was

g his curiosity and interest. That irritated me deeply. Why couldn't

approached again, ignoring

happened?" he tried once more, see

pour out my life story, especially not to someone who had o

ople change, life happens," I responded

stubborn too. I wasn't willing to open up to him

n't we rebuild our friendship now

ing back to old friendships," I said c

tle. Maybe he finally realized I wasn't the same Pietra from

you want, I'll respect your spac

pushed that feeling aside. He had no idea how much that conversation was stirr

my attitude, Anton fin

a," he said, his blue

I replied, this time wi

have to relive the past and confront all the unmet expectations. On the other, I couldn't help but fee

Vó Maria, the snack bar's owner, a

appen while I was

t of the ord

seem s

oblems," I wasn't

ng my privacy. I appreciated that, as I had

thinking more and more about the idea of closing the snack bar and moving to live with her daughter in the countryside, which would put m

saque from school. I informed Maria, who smiled and said she would take care of the sn

me with love. He was the light of my life and the reason I kept fighting, even on the hardest days. I t

children. His face lit up when he saw me, and his eyes spark

he said, his sweet little voice f

me to pick you up," I responded, fee

d I listened attentively, feeling a mix of gratitude and love overflowing in my heart. Watching

mall back room of the snack bar with his drawing supplies, his little private wor