Two and a half weeks after my date—or rather, the dinner out with my old friend Rayan—I managed to get back to work at United Broadcasting Pvt Ltd. Things had changed a lot since I left, but I was relieved nonetheless. At least I wasn't a newbie anymore. And I had Rayan looking after me as I took brave steps to start my life over again.

With his help, I joined Rayan's department, and he had so very confidently pushed two newbies under my wing. 'She's one of the best we had' I heard him hype Dany and Shu. Angelica our old friend had quit her job, having found the love of her life and settled in Moscow a little after I left. Janu had also become a mother of two. She was still working at the same agency but now in 'Sports Reports'. My boss, Mr. Rayan was supportive as ever, and Shu and Dani were eager learners which made thing sail smoothly.

The three of us old friends would have lunch together whenever one of us wasn't overwhelmed with research expeditions or flooded with reports. Those moments were precious, filled with laughter and nostalgia. We'd reminisce about the good old days, the adrenaline rush of chasing leads, the satisfaction of exposing the truth, and the camaraderie that kept us going through the toughest times.

We would talk about our past adventures, the late-night stakeouts, and the thrill of uncovering hidden secrets. Each story brought back memories of the rush we felt when we were on the verge of a big breakthrough, the sleepless nights spent piecing together clues, and the deep sense of accomplishment when we finally published our findings. The bond we shared during those intense times was unbreakable, forged through shared experiences and mutual respect.

My new job wasn't as high-octane as our previous jobs, there was still a certain excitement in our work. Visiting various sites and meeting new people offered a different kind of fulfilment. I still could find joy in learning about different communities, understanding their unique challenges, and seeing firsthand the impact of our work. Each site visit was an opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life, and those interactions were often as enriching as the work itself.

Through our conversations, I realised just how many problems people faced. The disparity between the rich and the poor was stark, and while some issues were mere inconveniences for the wealthy, others were matters of survival for those struggling to make ends meet. The stories of hardship and resilience touched my heart deeply. Hearing about families fighting to keep a roof over their heads, individuals working tirelessly despite overwhelming odds, and communities coming together in times of need--the resilience and determination of these people inspired me.

"Oh, I'm tired!" I collapsed on the old couch in the living room, feeling a twinge in my neck and a throb in my right hand. I had been working overtime for a week, gathering information for our new project that was due to air on the seventh of this month.

"Andi, can you get me a soda, please?" I called out, sinking into the cushions.

Andi emerged from the kitchen with a soda can in her hand, giving me a sly grin as she handed it to me.

"So, how is it going? Did you finish your report on forest fires?"

"It's not about forest fires."

"Oh, then it must be about some abandoned algal bloom lake," Andi remarked, plopping down on the couch next to me.

"Not exactly. We are doing a deep dive into the issue regarding sustainable housing developments and the innovative ways some cities are tackling housing shortages and environmental concerns this time. Rayan had secured a few exciting interviews and field visits, and I was coordinating with Dany and Shu to ensure everything go smoothly."

"Wow, how exciting!" She mumbled stifling a yawn as she rested her head on my shoulder.

Right. Last time I checked, this human wasn't the most keen on my work or the subjects I was interested in exploring. "Mm–It's not about algal bloom lakes or our landscape programs, is it?"

"Nah," she tugged at the soda can in my hand. "I was hoping you'd talk about Rayan–now that you guys have gone on your first date–"

There it was, the reason. Rayan Masuda. Those dark eyes and soft black locks flashed through my mind. "It wasn't the kind of date you expect it to be. It was with my best friend."

"You two seem to be getting along well though. I heard you having a little lovey-dovey talk with him the other night."

"A work call, I'd name it. Thanks." I snatched the soda can from her, to which she responded with a dramatic wince. It seemed that my new press-ons had accidentally grazed her skin. I rolled my eyes at her. "Did Aunt Monika set you up to spy on me?"

"No. I was just curious about your love life."

"Andi!"

"You're boring!"

She shrugged, getting off the couch. She snatched the soda from me one last time, chugging the remnants in one go.

"I'll tell her not to get her hopes up. Poor woman is counting the days to see you move out."

***

After an early dinner with a lot more nagging from Mrs Monika, I was finally back at my sanctuary of silence. Changing into a pair of fresh pyjamas after washing up, I plopped onto my beloved mattress and pillows.

The day was long, and I was very much ready for a good sleep. I left the window open, letting in some fresh air. The sky was clear and starry, with a full moon shining brightly. The city was noisy and crowded, even at night. I wished I could fall asleep quickly. Or better yet, dream of Leon and the times we had together. Honestly, that was the only thing that could soothe me to sleep.

And as if it was a prayer heard by the heavens—or rather, my heaven—I dreamed about him that night.

We were back in Houston, on one of those perfect spring days. The sky was a brilliant blue, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers. Leon and I were walking hand in hand through Hermann Park. His laughter echoed through the air, blending with the sounds of children playing and the distant hum of the city.

"Look at that, Sara," he said, pointing to a family of ducks gliding across the pond. "Aren't they adorable?"

I nodded, squeezing his hand. "They are. But not as adorable as you."

He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Flattery will get you everywhere, you know."

We found our favourite bench by the pond and sat down, watching the world go by. It was our special spot, where we would sit for hours, talking about everything and nothing. His presence was a comfort, a constant in my life that I had come to rely on.

"Do you remember the first time we met?" he asked, turning to look at me.

"Of course I do. How could I forget?" I replied, smiling at the memory. "It was at Ellen's cafe. You were trying to balance three cups of coffee and nearly spilled them all over me."

He laughed, the sound warm and familiar. "Yeah, and you still agreed to go out with me. I must have been really charming."

"Or I was just really forgiving," I teased, nudging him with my shoulder.

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the simple pleasure of being together. The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park. He pulled me closer, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

"I wish this moment could last forever," he murmured.

"Me too," I whispered back, resting my head on his chest.

"I love you, Sara," he said, his voice steady and sincere.

"I love you too, Leon," I replied, my heart swelling with emotion.

The dream faded, and I awoke with tears in my eyes, the memory of his voice still echoing in my mind. The pain of his absence was a constant ache. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as the city continued its noisy rhythm outside. The memory of Leon lingered like the aftertaste of pineapple: sweet, tangy, and never failed to leave a bittersweet ache in the corners of my heart.  It was a precious gift—those fleeting moments with him, passing in a blink behind tightly shut eyes. I would always wake up to the hollow ache in my soul.

A sudden knock on my bedroom door startled me. I quickly wiped away my tears, trying to compose myself. The last thing I needed was for Mrs Monika or Andi to see me like this.

"Come in," I called out, my voice a little shaky.

The door creaked open, and Mrs Monika peeked her head in. "Sara, are you up? You have a phone call, dear."

A phone call? Who would be calling me on the landline? If it was one of my friends, they would just text or call my mobile.

I got out of bed, feeling confused and curious. As I walked to the door, I wondered who it could be.

Mrs Monika handed me the receiver. "It's someone who wants to talk to you. She says it's important."

"Hello?" I said hesitantly, bringing the phone to my ear.

"Sara, it's me..."

I knew that voice in an instant. It had been a long time since I heard it, but I could never forget it. Even though the doctors had said that I might lose some of my memory after the accident, that I might not remember people, places, and events, this voice was unmistakable.

It was Nina.

"Can you hear me, Sara? It's me, Nina. Leon's sister."

"Yes...N-Nina..."

"Mrs Monika told me everything, Sara. I'm so happy that you decided to start your life over again. You're such a brave girl, my dear."

I didn't know what to say. Ever since I came back home from the hospital, where I had spent three months dreaming of the day I lost him, this was the first time I heard his name from someone else's lips. Everyone around me was so careful not to bring him up, not even his name. So hearing from his sister was like a shock to my heart.

***

"She really wanted to talk to you. Are you sure you're okay?" Mrs. Monika asked gently, concern evident in her voice.

"I'm alright," I assured her, accepting the glass of lemonade she offered. She sat down beside me on the stone bench in our tranquil greenhouse, a place she had lovingly cultivated as my sanctuary. Mrs. Monika always made lemonade for me when she sensed I was upset. Andi had dubbed it 'Sorrow Cooler'.

"She asked me to meet her. She said she has something important to show me," I explained, sipping the refreshing drink as I glanced around at the lush greenery and the soothing scent of jasmine and lavender that filled the air.

"What could she possibly have to show you, after keeping silent for almost two years?" Mrs. Monika's worry was palpable.

It was understandable. She had meticulously removed any trace of Leon from our home to protect my fragile state of mind. She didn't want to see me unravel again after everything she had done to help me heal.

"She wants to hand me some things she retrieved from our old apartment. Things that Leon owned and cherished."

In the centre of the greenhouse, a small fountain burbled softly, adding to the serene atmosphere with the sound of trickling water. The bench itself, nestled in a quiet corner, was a rustic wooden seat adorned with colourful cushions, creating a perfect spot to sit, reflect, or chat with a friend. Climbing vines with delicate flowers wove themselves around the bench, forming a natural, leafy canopy overhead.

"I don't know what to expect. But I'm going to find out," I affirmed, my decision firm despite the uncertainty.

"You're going back to Houston?" Andi chimed in as she entered the greenhouse, a basket of vegetables in her hand. Her apron indicated she had been tending to the garden, overhearing our conversation.

I nodded quietly, rising from the bench. "If it's about Leon, and if Nina needs me there, I have to go."

With that, I walked back into the house, hoping to avoid any further attempts to dissuade me from returning to Houston and meeting with Nina.

I knew Mrs. Monika and Andi meant well. They didn't want me to be hurt by painful memories.

But despite their concerns, a voice in my head kept whispering doubts about what truly happened on that fateful night on the Houston bridge—the night Leon left me for good, and the night I almost died.