Their first meeting after the long separation felt like reopening a long-forgotten chapter. As she stepped out of the airport gate, she spotted him standing at the edge, slightly taller, his shadow heavier, yet the same reassuring look in his eyes that had comforted her as a child. He had once been her adoptive brother, excelling in his studies, guiding her to school, patiently explaining lessons, and then suddenly disappeared from her life. Now he approached, his face marked with scratches and wounds that the light could not conceal. She whispered, her voice trembling:

— What happened to you? He gave a wry smile and said: — Life… nothing more.

On the way, he stopped at a small shop and returned holding a cold drink, handing it to her without a word. She looked at the pink color in surprise:

— Strawberry?

He looked at her calmly, then gently tried to take the cup back, smiling:

— Don’t you want it?