Unsure of what to say, I embraced her tightly, my voice thick with emotion as I thanked her for her years of guidance and support.
After completing the formalities, my colleagues insisted on a farewell lunch to celebrate my upcoming union. I didn’t protest, reserving a table at one of Caleb’s favorite restaurants—a place we had visited often, one of the rare spots that felt familiar and comforting.
Halfway through the meal, I excused myself to visit the restroom—and ran straight into Marina.
She greeted me with a radiant smile. “Valencia! I didn’t expect to see you here. This is actually the restaurant Caleb first took me to after our coming-of-age ceremony. We’ve been here countless times since.”
I offered her a polite, measured smile and tried to walk past, unwilling to engage in small talk.
But she stopped me, tilting her head slightly. “I noticed last time that Caleb always rinses the shrimp in water before peeling it for you. You don’t eat spicy food either, right?”
Her words froze me mid-step.