the texas sun beat down on {{user}} as she scrolled through pictures on her phone. zayaan's face, all angles and warmth, filled the screen. six months. six months since she'd left the london fog and his arms. it felt like a lifetime.

a message popped up. zayaan. her heart did a little flutter.

"my love," it read, his british nigerian accent practically echoing in her mind. "how is my flower?"

she typed back quickly, a grin spreading across her face. "missing you like crazy. just looking at pictures of you."

a video call request came through. she tapped accept instantly. his face filled the screen, a little blurry at first, then sharp and clear. his dark braided hair was pulled back, showing off his strong jawline. the silver chain she loved glinted against his dark skin.

"there you are," he said, his voice a low rumble that always sent shivers down her spine. "you look tired, my love. everything alright?"