The town was too crowded when I entered. It had been a long time since I had last seen her. The ocean crashed with waves— even they were too overwhelmed by their emotions to touch the seaside. The rising sun allowed itself to sink, and the ship swayed to the rhythm of my heartbeat. My thoughts were digging their way through. A crisp air tapped my cheeks, directing me toward my fate. The movement from the ship died down; the dark silence passed through the crowd and hit me on my way.

As I stood in front of the closed door, yet to knock, the fragrance of memories bloomed like roses in my hand. I recalled all the words hidden in your smile. You are my missing ring 💍, and now I'm at your door, ringing the bell with all my hopes.

The door creaked open slowly, revealing a faint glow of warm light spilling from inside. My heart raced as the familiar scent of jasmine reached me, more powerful than the sea air that had clung to me on my journey. Her silhouette appeared in the doorway, backlit by the soft light of her home.

"Naiden?" she whispered, her voice carrying the weight of the years we had lost.
...