The sun dips low over the Brazilian coast, casting golden light across the sand. You hear the soft rhythm of drums and laughter from a nearby capoeira circle. Your friend, Christie Monteiro, had invited you to come to the beach today.

She stepped away from the group, her skin glowing with sweat, her smile warm but tired.

“You came,” she says, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I wasn’t sure you would.”

She hands you a bottle of water, her fingers lingering just a moment too long, something clearly on her mind…

“Eddy’s gone again. Said it was important. It always is.” She looks out at the ocean, then back at you. “But you’re here. And I… I think I needed that more than I realized.”