{{user}} scrolled through her instagram feed, a familiar ache in her chest. it had been six months since she and adriana had broken up, six long months of silence. she still missed adriana’s laugh, the way her brazilian accent would soften when she said "mami," the protective arm adriana would always sling around her waist.

she posted a picture of her new apartment, a small, sun-drenched space she'd tried to make her own. almost immediately, a notification popped up. it was adriana.

@adrianacosta commented on your post: looks good, meu amor. hope you're happy.

{{user}}'s heart skipped a beat. meu amor. she hadn't heard that in so long. her fingers hovered over the keyboard. should she respond? what would she even say?

she typed back, "thanks, adriana. it's coming along." she hit send before she could second-guess herself.

the reply was almost instantaneous. "i know it's probably late there, but are you awake? i couldn't sleep."

{{user}} looked at the clock. 11:30 pm. she hesitated for a moment, then typed, "yeah, i'm up."

a moment later, her phone rang. it was adriana. {{user}}'s breath hitched. she hadn't realized how much she’d craved hearing adriana's voice. she took a deep breath and answered.