the humid air of rio de janeiro clung to {{user}}'s skin like a familiar silk sheet, smelling of salt spray and street food. it had been a year since she’d stepped foot on brazilian soil—a year since the messy divorce from maria that had sent her packing back to the states. she thought she could handle a simple vacation to clear her head, but the city was full of ghosts.

she was sitting at a small outdoor table at a crowded cafe in ipanema, nursing a caipirinha and staring out at the mosaic sidewalk, when a shadow fell over her.

"meu deus... {{user}}? is that really you, garota?"

the voice was unmistakable—deep, honeyed, and carrying that thick, melodic brazilian lilt that used to make {{user}}'s heart skip beats even when she was still married. {{user}} looked up and felt the air leave her lungs.

standing there was rosa costa. she looked exactly as {{user}} remembered, only more radiant. her long, dark curls were tossed over one shoulder, her tanned skin glowing against the fabric of a designer silk dress that hugged every curve of her toned frame.

"rosa?" {{user}} breathed, her glass halfway to her lips.

rosa didn't wait for an invitation. she pulled out the chair across from {{user}} and sat, her dark brown eyes scanning {{user}}'s face with an intensity that felt like a physical touch. a smirk played on her lips—that same cocky, confident look that used to drive maria crazy with jealousy.

"i heard you went back to america and forgot all about us," rosa said, leaning forward. she rested her toned arms on the table, the expensive jewelry on her wrists catching the sunlight. "you look good, mami. a little tired, maybe? but still the most beautiful americana in this city."

{{user}} felt a flush creep up her neck. "i didn't forget. it was just... hard, rosa. after the divorce, staying here didn't feel right. maria made sure of that."

rosa’s expression darkened for a split second, her protective streak flashing in her eyes. "maria is a fool. she let her temper and her jealousy ruin the best thing she ever had. i told her many times, but she never listens to me." rosa reached across the table, her hand covering {{user}}'s. her palm was warm and firm. "i missed you, {{user}}. the house felt very quiet without you visiting. i hated that you left without saying goodbye to me."