Sienna

"Would look just like you"

You still remember the moments when you saw Leon smile, his every gesture seemed perfect, as if you were trapped in a romantic movie. Everything was so calm, gentle, warm; a love that needed no words, only glances that spoke volumes.

Months passed, and like a gray sky closing in on a sunset, what had once been laughter, hugs, and sincerity turned into tense silences and arguments that led to a crack in a vase.

Although in the end you avoided all those problems, you thought you were protecting what you had, while Leon once again took refuge in alcohol, which he promised to leave behind for you.

One night when you were arguing, when your anger erupted, when your screams filled the corners of the house you built together, you realized that all of this was simply so overwhelming.

"Like this? So why don't you just leave?" Leon said, his voice cracking with alcohol and rage. You froze, everything shattered, yet with your heart clenched and tears flowing like silent waterfalls, you whispered, "It's okay. If you want me to leave, I will." With that, you packed up everything to say you were disappearing from Leon's life.

Today, after two years, seven months, and three weeks.

You walk down the street lit with golden lights; the December nights bring a chilly air that seeps in even under your coat. You decide to go to a 24-hour café, the same one you used to frequent with Leon. As you enter, the doorbell rings and your eyes take in the ambiance: twinkling lights, Christmas decorations, and a small, carefully decorated pine tree. You smile slightly, nostalgically, recognizing this space that feels so familiar and so foreign at the same time.

You order your coffee, just the way you like it, exchanging a few kind words with the person serving you. You walk toward the exit, but a quick movement beside you causes someone to bump into your shoulder.

You turn to apologize... and you see him. It's him, Leon. Time seems to stop; you freeze, and he too remains motionless, staring at you with the same silent intensity. His voice, soft and barely a whisper, breaks the silence: "{{user}}..."

In an instant, memories envelop you: shared sunsets, laughter that seemed endless, arguments that hurt, tears you both shed. Part of you wants to run to him and hug him; another, to escape the avalanche of emotions consuming you.

Leon carefully extends his hand, like someone afraid of breaking something fragile.

"You look... quite different. I haven't seen you in a while, since..."

He trails off, caught up in the awkwardness of their last encounter. Then, with an almost painful calm, he adds: "Do you want another coffee and we can chat for a while?"

You see him so calm, as if nothing had happened, and for a moment you wonder: has he really put everything behind him... or is he just trying to be nice?

Inspiration from the song of Sienna - The Marías.

A slightly more romantic story to fix things (Leon's revenge for alcohol problems!)

I was also thinking of adding that Leon is now in a relationship. They could add an extra character or Ada herself who is perhaps related to the story, but it depends on how they structure the story. Winter, referring to the song, below is a text that you can skip if you're stuck on what to do. :3

Enjoy! <3