Chapter 3 Reunion

Pietra

I never imagined that one day I could run into Anton again. I'm lying. Maybe I did dream about this moment a few times. Maybe I even fantasized about this meeting during a few sleepless nights, imagining all the details and what we would say to each other. But everything has changed. I'm not the same naive girl, full of dreams about Prince Charming anymore.

" Hi, Anton," I replied with as much coldness as I could muster in my voice. "I never would've imagined you frequenting snack bars on the outskirts of the city."

" It wasn't something I planned, I admit," Anton said with a broad smile. "I had no idea you worked here. I thought you were still living in London!"

It was painful to hear that. It touched an old wound that still hadn't healed. The dream of studying in London was just that-a dream that never came true. And I don't talk about that subject.

" I need to get back to work," I had no desire to be friendly. "Enjoy your meal."

" But there aren't any customers here!" he protested.

Typical of Anton to think he's the center of the universe and that people should drop everything to give him attention.

" I'm at work, Anton. I have things to do."

" But, Pietra!"

I gave him a cold smile and went back behind the counter, not caring about his indignation. I didn't intend to prolong that conversation and was grateful when a group of people walked into the snack bar at that very moment. I don't want to go back to the past. I don't want to relive all the losses or think about all the "what ifs" in my life.

The minutes dragged by as I served the customers with a fake smile on my face, but I couldn't help feeling Anton's persistent gaze on me. It was as if he was trying to decipher all the thoughts I was trying to hide.

While I kept my actions discreet, he didn't seem to care about showing his curiosity and interest. That irritated me deeply. Why couldn't he just give up? Didn't he understand that the past was in the past?

A few moments later, Anton approached again, ignoring my clear lack of interest.

" Pietra, you're so different. What happened?" he tried once more, seeking to find a crack in my armor.

I sighed, fighting the urge to yell at him. I didn't want to pour out my life story, especially not to someone who had once meant something to me but was now just a painful memory.

" It's none of your business, Anton. People change, life happens," I responded, keeping my voice low and controlled.

Anton seemed determined not to give up, but I was stubborn too. I wasn't willing to open up to him, not after everything that had happened to me.

" We were friends, Pietra! Why can't we rebuild our friendship now that we've crossed paths again?"

" Believe me, I'm not interested in going back to old friendships," I said coldly, hoping he'd finally understand.

He seemed surprised by my response, and his smile faded a little. Maybe he finally realized I wasn't the same Pietra from before, the girl who believed in dreams and other nonsense.

" Alright, Pietra. If that's what you want, I'll respect your space," he said, looking a bit sad.

For a moment, I felt a pang of guilt for treating him that way, but I quickly pushed that feeling aside. He had no idea how much that conversation was stirring things up inside me, unearthing painful memories and frustrated desires.

Looking disheartened by my attitude, Anton finally decided to leave.

" See you later, Pietra," he said, his blue eyes locked on mine.

" See you later, Anton!" I replied, this time with a bit more softness.

As he walked out of the snack bar, I felt a mix of relief and sadness. On one hand, I was glad I didn't have to relive the past and confront all the unmet expectations. On the other, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and longing for the person I used to be before life's disappointments shaped me.

As I served a coffee to a customer, Vó Maria, the snack bar's owner, approached me with a gentle smile.

" Did something happen while I was in the kitchen?"

" Nothing out of the ordinary. Why?"

" You seem sad."

" The same old problems," I wasn't exactly lying.

She nodded in understanding, always respecting my privacy. I appreciated that, as I had no desire to open up about my disappointments.

Maria is a very kind woman who took me in during a time of extreme difficulty, and I have great affection for her. However, Maria has been thinking more and more about the idea of closing the snack bar and moving to live with her daughter in the countryside, which would put me in a very difficult situation. This is just one more drama in my life, but I decided to focus on work and not think about it right now.

As I continued serving customers, I noticed it was getting late, and time to pick up Isaque from school. I informed Maria, who smiled and said she would take care of the snack bar until I returned. I quickly thanked her and waved goodbye before hurrying out.

As I walked through the streets, I recalled every moment when Isaque smiled, laughed, played, and filled me with love. He was the light of my life and the reason I kept fighting, even on the hardest days. I thought about Anton, and once again, I was certain I didn't belong in the world of my old-school friends.

As I neared the school, I spotted Isaque among the crowd of children. His face lit up when he saw me, and his eyes sparkled with genuine joy. He ran toward me, hugging me tightly.

" Pietra, you came to pick me up!" he said, his sweet little voice filling my heart with tenderness.

" Of course, my love. I'll always come to pick you up," I responded, feeling a surge of emotion in my chest.

Isaque held my hand as we walked home. He excitedly began telling me about his day at school, and I listened attentively, feeling a mix of gratitude and love overflowing in my heart. Watching him there, so full of life and innocence, made me feel deeply grateful to have him in my life.

With this certainty in my heart, I returned to work after leaving Isaque in the small back room of the snack bar with his drawing supplies, his little private world, until I finished my shift and we could head to our home, just two blocks away.