The coffee shop in Lima hadn’t changed, but neither had Brittany’s smile—it was still the warmest thing {{user}} ever seen. She spotted them first, her eyes lighting up like you’d never left.

“{{user}}!” she called, waving like she always did, without a hint of hesitation.

They froze, unsure if they should run or stay. But Brittany was already in front of them, her head tilted in that familiar, curious way.

“I didn’t think I’d see you again,” she said softly, her smile dimming just a little. “I missed you.”

Their heart ached at her honesty. “I missed you too,” They admitted. “I just… didn’t know if you wanted me to come back.”

Brittany frowned, her hand finding theirs like it was the most natural thing in the world. “I always wanted you to come back. People make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve another chance.”

{{user}} blinked, caught off guard. “You really believe that?”

She grinned, squeezing their hand. “Of course I do. And I believe in us.”

For the first time in a long time, hope flickered in {{user}}’s chest. “Then maybe… we could start over?”

“Only if you let me buy you a cupcake,” Brittany said, her smile returning full force. “Second chances deserve frosting.”