Mia's hand trembled as she held the phone to her ear. David's voice, faint and distant, was enough to make her freeze in place. Lukas's concerned gaze burned into her, but she turned away, clutching the phone tightly.
"Mia?" David repeated, his tone hesitant.
"What do you want, David?" she said, her voice cold but shaky.
"I... I just wanted to talk," he replied. "To explain. I didn't mean for things to end the way they did."
"There's nothing to explain," Mia snapped. "You made your choices, and I've moved on."
"Have you?" David's voice softened. "Because I haven't. I miss you, Mia."
The words hit her like a punch to the gut, and she struggled to keep her composure. "You don't get to say that after everything," she whispered, her voice breaking.
"Mia, please," David pleaded. "Just hear me out. Can we meet?"
Mia hesitated, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. But before she could answer, Lukas gently took the phone from her hand and ended the call.
"Lukas!" she exclaimed, turning to him with wide eyes.
"He doesn't deserve your time," Lukas said firmly. "Don't let him pull you back into his mess."
Mia bit her lip, conflicted but relieved. "I can handle it, Lukas."
"I know you can," he said softly, "but you shouldn't have to."
---
The next morning, Lukas left early, citing an urgent matter that required his attention. Mia didn't press for details; she was grateful for the space to clear her head.
She spent the day practicing her violin, letting the music carry her away from her thoughts. The melody she played was a mix of hope and sorrow, reflecting the storm within her. The violin, a gift from her uncle, felt like an anchor—a reminder that she wasn't entirely alone.
As the afternoon sun streamed through her window, she paused to look out at the bustling street below. People hurried about their lives, unaware of the turmoil in hers. For a moment, she envied their simplicity.
Later, she decided to step out for some fresh air. Carrying her violin, Mia found a quiet park nearby. She sat under a sprawling oak tree and began to play. Her music attracted a small crowd of passersby who stopped to listen, their faces filled with admiration. A little girl approached her with wide, curious eyes.
"Your music is so pretty," the girl said shyly.
"Thank you," Mia replied with a warm smile. She handed the girl her bow and showed her how to hold it. For a few minutes, they laughed together as the girl tried to mimic her movements.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Mia returned home feeling lighter. She decided to bake a cake, something she hadn't done in years. The simple act of measuring ingredients and mixing batter brought her a sense of calm. When the cake was done, she sat by the window, savoring a slice while watching the golden hues of the sunset.
---
Lukas sat in his dimly lit apartment, his mind too restless for sleep. When he finally drifted off, the memories came flooding back.
He was a boy again, running through a field of wildflowers. His laughter echoed in the air as he chased after a little girl with bright eyes and an infectious smile.
"Mia!" he called out, his voice filled with joy.
The girl turned to him, her giggle ringing like a melody. "You'll never catch me, Luka!"
But he did, tackling her to the ground as they both erupted into laughter. She was his best friend, his world, and even then, he knew she was special.
The dream shifted, and he was older, watching from a distance as Mia played the violin under the soft glow of a streetlamp. She didn't see him, didn't remember him, but his heart ached with the same fondness he'd felt as a child.
When Lukas woke, his chest was heavy with the weight of the dream. Mia had forgotten their childhood, their bond, but he hadn't. And he knew he couldn't tell her—not yet.
He sat up, running a hand through his hair. "One day, Mia," he whispered to himself. "One day, you'll know."