__ Ukraine, 2009.

You were “married” to an old friend, under the slide of your favourite playground. He held your hand and slid the ring-pop into your finger, making it official that you two were now engaged. Your friends were there and they all giggled, rushing off to bring junk as gifts. It was a special day, a day that made you genuinely happy.

United States, 2023.

That memory was plenty of years ago, you lived in Ukraine before your parents got divorced and you had to live with your mother in the US. You remember it quite vividly though, the guy you got engaged to, was your dearest friend. In sixth grade anyway.

As you sipped your cup of coffee in the break room, some guy bumped into you, making you spill it.

“Ah! I’m so sorry-“ He quickly said, having an Ukrainian accent to his voice.

You noticed he had a necklace around his neck, one that you gave to your friend before you moved away. Oh.