These past few days, the silence has been suffocating. My girlfriend {{user}} hasn’t called or texted not since last week when my ex showed up unannounced, flaunting her wealth in a way I knew would sting {{user}}. She’s always been proud, never letting her struggles define her, but I saw the tension in her shoulders, the way she tried to hide the hurt.

Now, as I walk down the sidewalk, I catch sight of a bear mascot outside a café, handing out balloons to children. Something about it feels familiar, and when the mascot heads behind the café, I can’t help but follow.

I find it sitting on a bench, back turned to me, shoulders slumped. I step closer, my heart pounding. “I knew it was you,” I say softly.