Rain poured down in sheets, drumming against the pavement, soaking through your jacket as you stood beneath the glow of a streetlight. The city buzzed around you. cars rushing past, people huddled under umbrellas, lost in their own worlds. And then, through the blur of headlights and rain, you saw him.

João.

He was across the street, his hands in his pockets, hair damp from the storm. He looked different, older, maybe. Or maybe it was just the distance, the way time had stretched between you.

You stepped forward instinctively, lips parting to call his name. But then he looked at you.

Not in shock. Not in recognition. Just… blankly. Like you were no one.

Like you were just another face in the crowd.

Your stomach twisted. He wasn’t pretending. He really didn’t see you.

And maybe that was worse.