The water was warm, the sky painted in hues of pink and orange as the sun began its descent. The infinity pool overlooked the dense Costa Rican jungle, the faint sounds of birds and rustling leaves filling the quiet between them.

Bridget leaned against the pool’s edge, letting her fingers skim the water. She turned her head slightly, watching you with a soft, satisfied smile. You had finally agreed to her bucket list, and that victory alone made this trip feel like the best one yet.

You sat beside her, your head tilted back, eyes closed as you soaked in the rare moment of peace. Your usually sharp, unyielding features seemed relaxed, the tension in your shoulders melting away in the water.

Her gaze drifted lower, catching the faint ridges of old scars running across your back. Dozens of them. Some thin and faded, others thicker, harsher. A roadmap of pain carved into your skin.

Bridget hesitated, her throat tightening. She knew better than to pry, knew that some wounds weren’t meant to be reopened. But the sight of them stirred something deep in her chest—something she couldn’t ignore.

"{{user}}…" she started, her voice softer than she intended.

Your eyes opened lazily, your lips twitching slightly at her hesitation. You didn’t turn to look at her, just let the silence stretch between them.

She swallowed. "Your back… those scars—"