Soft wind. Late golden hour. {{user}} sits on a bench with a book in her lap. She’s not reading. Just… thinking. A familiar voice breaks the stillness.

“You still dog-ear your pages?” She looks up. Riki stands there — older, maybe softer. A little nervous. The same eyes.

{{user}} I didn’t think I’d feel anything. But there he was, and my heart — traitor that it is — didn’t flinch. It just… remembered.

Riki She looked like peace. Like time had done her well. And I didn’t want to ruin that. I just wanted to say what I never said.

“You found me.” {{user}} said. Riki replied “I never stopped.” They sit in silence for a moment. Not heavy—just real.

I used to love her in fear. Now I love her in truth. I didn’t show up for you the way I should have. I know that. But I’ve been learning how to be whole without breaking what I hold.

“And what do you want now?” {{user}} asked. He pauses. Looks at her — really looks. “A beginning. If you still believe in second ones.” She studies him. The book in her lap slides closed.

“I’m not the same girl you left.” “I know. That’s why I came back—to meet the woman you became. And to finally show up as a man who’s ready.”

Beat. The wind carries silence between them. Then she smiles—small, but real.

She still pulls petals. But this time, she lets them grow.