The first week was strange.Maya woke up every morning and checked her phone. There was always a message from Ethan.Good morning. Thinking of you.Hope you sleep okay.Just wanted to say hi.Small things. Simple things.Things that made her smile.She told her mother everything.Over the phone. Long conversation. Tears on both ends."He's back, Mama.""I know, Aya.""I'm scared.""Of what?""Of ruining it again. Of getting hurt. Of hurting him."Her mother was quiet.Then: "Love is always scary. That's how you know it's real.""What if I make the same mistakes?""You're not the same person. Neither is he."Maya cried."I miss you, Mama.""I miss you too. Come visit soon. Bring him.""You'd be okay with that?""I'd be okay with anything that makes you happy."Daniel came to get his things on Saturday.Maya waited in the living room while he packed. The sounds of drawers opening. Zippers closing. A life being dismantled.When he came out, he had two bags."That's it?""That's it."They
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