Jill and Thalia walked out of the park gate, still buzzing with the warmth of their reunion when a familiar tune floated through the speakers of a street vendor's radio — "Do It Again" by Pia Mia.
Jill stopped, turned slowly with a mischievous grin.
"Do you remember this song?" she asked.
Thalia's eyes widened. "No way"
"Come on," Jill nudged her. "Let's dance."
And just like that, they were in the middle of the walkway, dancing like they used to when life was gentler. Jill twirled her under the streetlights, Thalia matched her rhythm, and they laughed so freely it made strangers stop and smile. People whispered "cute couple," not knowing Jill was a woman but neither of them cared.
Their dance ended with applause from bystanders. They bowed dramatically, then burst into laughter.
"We still got it, girl!" Thalia panted.
"Always had it," Jill winked.
They began walking toward the exit again.
"So… anywhere you want to go?" Jill asked.
Thalia paused. "We could go home. Mom and Dad would love to see you."
Jill nodded, eyes soft. "Then home it is. But first cotton candy."
"Last one there buys it!" Thalia yelled, taking off like a child.
Jill chased after her. "You cheat!"
Thalia leaped toward the vendor stand. "I win!"
Jill threw her hands up. "Fine, fine I lost. I'm buying."
They each held fluffy cotton candy, sticky fingers and bright smiles as they climbed into a cab. The city rolled past the window, and for a moment everything felt normal.
Jill leaned back. "How have you been, sis?"
Thalia exhaled slowly. "It's been… a lot. Alex is gone. Reality hit me hard. Debts everywhere. I sold everything I had, worked two jobs — sometimes three. I thought I was drowning."
Jill frowned in concern.
"And recently," Thalia continued, "I found out Alex still owed someone. Someone terrifying."
Jill raised a brow. "Terrifying in character or… handsome?"
Thalia bit her lip, trying not to smile.
"Maybe both."
Jill gasped dramatically, covering her mouth. "Ohh, are you smitten?"
"That's not what I said," Thalia muttered, but her shy smile betrayed her.
She continued quietly, "He talks about love. He's… kind. We even traveled to Mexico together. But I don't see myself loving anyone, not now. Not the way I loved Alex. It's too soon."
Jill nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. But life moves. And if someone new comes along… allow yourself the chance."
Thalia stared at her cotton candy for a moment, then chuckled.
"You won't believe Alex owe him $25,000 I was $800 short, and he practically dragged me to his car like a kidnapper."
Jill burst out laughing. "Thalia!"
"I had two choices," Thalia counted on her fingers. "Sleep with him or work for him. I chose work. Two months."
"And now he's romantic?" Jill teased. "Love story in progress?"
"No comments," Thalia blushed, looking out the window. "All I know is… people change."
Jill bumped her shoulder playfully. "You should have gone with option one. Later you say you're pregnant boom, wedding!"
"Silly girl!" Thalia playfully smacked her arm, and they burst into laughter again.
The cab slowed to a stop in front of Thalia's family home. Jill paid the driver and they stepped out.
The front door opened her father stood there, surprised.
Thalia didn't hesitate. She ran, leaped into his arms like a child who finally made it home.
"My girl!" he said, voice shaking with joy.
Inside, her mother's greeting was distant. Thalia felt it, but she forced a smile anyway she had returned, and that was enough.
She walked into her old room. Same bed. Same curtains. Same scent of home.
It was like time had paused here, waiting for her.
Jill walked in behind her, tossing her hoodie on the chair.
"Movie night? Popcorn and juice?"
Thalia nodded softly. "Yeah… I'd like that."