The rain fell hard against the window of Maya's small apartment. She sat on the floor, surrounded by boxes. Another year in the city, another move to a new place. It felt like she was always starting over.
Her phone buzzed on the floor beside her. It was a message from her friend, Sarah.
"Don't forget about the party tonight! You have to come."
Maya sighed. She was tired from packing. The last thing she wanted was a loud party. But Sarah was her best friend. She knew Maya needed to get out of her own head.
"Okay, I'll come," Maya typed back.
She looked at the half-packed boxes. Her eyes fell on a small wooden box. She opened it. Inside were old photos and letters. On top was a picture of her and Leo.
They were smiling, his arm around her. That was five years ago. Back when they were in love and life felt simple.
She put the picture away and closed the box. Some memories were too heavy to unpack.
Later that night, Maya stood at the edge of the party. The room was full of people laughing and talking. She felt invisible. She held her drink and wished she was home in her pajamas.
Then she saw him.
Across the room, standing near the balcony, was Leo.
Her heart jumped into her throat. He looked the same, but different. A little older. His smile was still easy, but his eyes looked tired. He was talking to a friend, and he hadn't seen her yet.
Maya turned around quickly. Her hands felt cold. She could not face him. Not here. Not now.
She moved through the crowd, heading for the door. She needed air. She needed to escape.
She stepped out onto the balcony, forgetting her coat. The cold night air hit her skin. She took a deep breath, trying to calm down.
The balcony door opened behind her. She froze. She knew who it was without turning around.
"Maya?"
His voice was soft, just like she remembered.
She turned slowly. Leo stood there, holding her forgotten coat.
"You left this inside," he said. He held it out to her.
"Thank you," she said, her voice quiet. She took the coat but did not put it on.
They stood in silence for a moment. The city lights shone below them.
"How have you been?" Leo asked.
"Okay," Maya said. "Just... busy. You?"
"The same."
Another silence. It was heavy with all the things they were not saying.
"I didn't know you would be here," Maya said.
"Sarah invited me," Leo said. "She said you might not come if you knew I was coming."
That sounded like Sarah. She was always trying to fix things.
"It's good to see you," Leo said. He looked at her, and for a second, she saw the old Leo. The one she loved.
"You too," Maya said.
But it was a lie. Seeing him hurt. It opened a door to a room in her heart she had locked long ago.
"I should go," she said. "I have a lot to do tomorrow."
"Right," Leo said. He nodded, his face unreadable. "It was nice seeing you, Maya."
She walked past him and back into the noisy party. She did not look back. She got her bag and left without saying goodbye to Sarah.
Outside, the rain had stopped. She walked quickly, her mind racing.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was a text message.
From Leo.
Her breath caught. She stared at the screen.
The message was simple.
"I miss you."
Two years of silence, and that was the first thing he sent. Three words that changed everything.
Maya stood on the sidewalk, people moving past her. She did not know what to do. She did not know what to feel.
She put the phone back in her pocket without replying. She started walking again, faster this time.
But the words echoed in her mind.
I miss you.
She got home to her half-packed apartment. The picture of them was still on the floor where she left it.
She picked it up and looked at their smiling faces. They were so young. They had no idea what was coming.
Her phone buzzed again. Another text.
This one was from Sarah.
"Are you okay? Leo said you left."
Maya put the phone down. She did not answer. She looked at Leo's text again.
"I miss you."
Her finger hovered over the screen. Should she reply? What would she even say?
After five years, and one quiet night, their story was not over. It was just starting again.
And she was afraid.
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Questions for you:
What would you do if you got a text like that from an ex? Do you think Maya should reply to Leo? Why or why not?