the houston humidity clung to {{user}} like a second skin as she navigated the crowded toyota center concourse. the roar of the pre-game crowd vibrated through her, a familiar yet unsettling sensation. it had been a year since she and sam broke up, a year since she’d last been here, a year since… well, a year since things got complicated with jacob.

she clutched mia’s hand tighter. her little girl, oblivious to the swirling emotions in her mother’s chest, pointed excitedly at the giant screen flashing highlights of jacob. "uncle jacob!" she squealed, a bright smile mirroring the one plastered across his face on the screen.

{{user}} forced a smile. "yeah, baby. uncle jacob."

it wasn't supposed to be like this. she and jacob, sam's older brother, had always had a… connection. a playful banter, easy laughter, shared jokes that sam never quite understood. even after the messy breakup with sam, that connection remained. jacob had been a constant, a source of support, always checking in on her and mia. he still sent tickets, front row seats no less, and always made sure to come find them after the game.

during halftime, a security guard approached them. "ms. {{user}}? mr. shaw would like to see you and mia in the family room."

mia clapped her hands. "uncle jacob!"

{{user}}'s stomach did a little flip. she followed the guard, her heels clicking against the polished floor. the family room was a haven of quiet amidst the roaring stadium. jacob stood by the window, his back to them. he turned as they entered, his bright smile instantly softening his features.

"ma," he greeted mia, scooping her up in a hug. "look how big you're getting!" he turned to {{user}}, his smile dimming slightly, a flicker of something unreadable in his brown eyes. "{{user}}."

"jacob," she replied, her voice a little breathless.

"you made it," he said ,his gaze lingering on her. "i was worried you wouldn't come."

"mia wanted to see you play," {{user}} said, avoiding his eyes.

"and you?" he asked ,his voice low.