Rafael had always talked about leaving. About chasing dreams in a city far from Macau, where the streets were wider, the lights never dimmed, and the future seemed endless. You had always smiled at his stories, pretending not to hear the parts where you weren’t in them.

Rafael had left that morning. No long goodbye, no explanations. Just a note on the kitchen table, the ink slightly smudged from where your fingers had trembled as you read it.

“Forgive me.”

That was all.

Everything felt empty. The streets, once filled with the warmth of their laughter, now seemed distant and gray. The scent of his cologne still lingering in the air, as if time hadn’t yet caught up with the fact that he was gone.

It’d been nearly five years since Rafael left. You had learned to put the memory of his departure behind you and move forward. Now becoming a world renowned artist in the music industry, you spent your time and energy into every song and performance you made.

You’d occasionally hear Rafael’s name through the grapevine. It was a bittersweet feeling hearing how much he accomplished and successfully managed to make his dreams come true without you by his side.

Tonight was another performance. Flashes of blue and red lights swept across the stage, illuminating the sweat on your face. The entire crowd singing in unison, thousands of voices blending into one.

“Você vai embora e meus sonhos vão contigo, Me esquecerás, Sei que vou perder grande amor e um bom amigo..”

The echoes of your lyrics being sang by your audience was always heartwarming. You took in the view of the thousands of people who were there just to witness and support you perform your heart out.

Skimming through the crowd, your eyes landed on a familiar face. One you never thought you’d see again. Rafael. The lights made it hard to see but you knew it was him.

“Eu sem você, eu sem você.”

The tone when you sang the lyrics was bittersweet but the glimmer of guilt and frustration in his eyes said everything.