I arrived at the university a little before noon.The sun was high, reflecting on the windows and heating the air just enough to make me wish for some shade. I headed straight to the cafeteria, sat at a table near the wall, and texted Evelyn:
"Your class isn't over yet? I'll wait for you in the cafeteria."
It took only a few seconds before my phone vibrated again:
"I'm leaving now! Wait for me, I'm coming to you 😘"
I smiled to myself, relieved to have someone to talk to. I waited just a few minutes before hearing her cheerful voice:
— Helena!
I turned immediately. Evelyn was standing by the door, waving and pointing toward a table near the windows. I got up and went to her.
— Finally! — she said, pulling me into a tight hug. — I missed you so much! And look at you… — she stepped back to observe me — you're glowing! That haircut looks amazing.
I laughed, embarrassed, tucking a strand behind my ear.— It's just a cut.
— A cut with suspicious intentions, maybe? — she teased, grinning.
I rolled my eyes, still smiling. — Nothing like that.
She laughed and pointed at the table.— Let's sit here. It's the best spot, you can see who's inside and who's walking outside.
— I thought we were just going to talk and have lunch — I said, amused.
— We are — she replied, winking. — But you never know who might pass by. Better to stay alert to opportunities.
I sat down with her, trying to ignore the small knot of anxiety forming in my chest. I just wanted a peaceful lunch.
Lunch with Evelyn was light — almost therapeutic. We talked about everything… classes, teachers, the unavoidable gossip from the group.
— So, did I miss much this first week? — I asked, stirring my juice with the straw.
— Nothing you can't catch up on — Evelyn answered, with that look of someone who always has a plan. — And if you need help in any subject… I know someone who would love to help you.
I rolled my eyes, smiling. — Evelyn, don't start.
She let out a guilty laugh. — Okay, okay. But don't say later I didn't try to give fate a little push.
We kept talking and laughing until we got up to go pay the bill. That's when a voice behind us cut in.
— Evelyn! You didn't tell anyone Helena was coming today.
I turned and saw Daniel standing beside the table. He looked at Evelyn with mock reproach, like he'd been betrayed by a secret.
Evelyn laughed, dramatic. — I missed her! I'm possessive with my friends. I needed to catch up before releasing her back to the world.
Daniel shifted his eyes to me, his smile softening.
— Hi, Helena! — he said, stepping a little closer. — Long time.
Before I could react, he leaned in and kissed my cheek — quick, but enough to make me blush. I glanced at Evelyn and found her staring with a mix of surprise and amusement — almost a contained smirk.
— I… should get going — I murmured, adjusting my bag. — I still have a few things to sort out at home. Classes start again Monday, and I want to get everything ready.
— I heard you were hurt — Daniel said, still close. — Are you fully recovered?
— Yeah, all good now. — I tried to sound natural.
— I recorded all the classes from this week — he continued. — If you give me your number, I can send them to you.
I smiled, genuinely grateful. — That would be great… it would help a lot.
— Then it's settled — he replied. — I'll organize the files tonight and send them.
— That gives me weekend plans already — I joked. — A marathon of classes.
— If you need help with anything, you can call me.
— Thanks, really — I said, then looked at Evelyn. — I should go so I don't make you late for class.
She nodded, still smiling.
— I'll see you Monday, okay?
Leaving the cafeteria, I felt lighter. Thinking about Daniel's recordings gave me a strange comfort — something concrete to focus on. I put on my headphones, found an upbeat playlist, and started walking.
But when I reached the university gate, that temporary relief vanished.
Rafael was leaning there, the strap of his backpack across his chest, headphones in his ears. His eyes… fixed on me. As if he knew exactly which path I'd take.
My heart stalled, but my legs kept moving. There was no other way.
— Hi — I murmured, low, pretending not to be surprised or nervous.
He only nodded slightly, eyes never leaving mine.
I walked past him and kept going, each step heavier than the last.
I was doing so well. Why did he have to be there?
I turned up the volume, trying to hide inside the music. The rhythm filled the silence he left behind, but it wasn't enough. No song could drown out the truth: all it took was one look from him to make my whole world shake again.
When I was almost reaching my house's gate, a small sting shot through my knee. I sighed, wondering if I had pushed too hard. Maybe my body hadn't caught up yet with my mind's decision to move on.
The landlord was on the porch, looking as calm as ever.
— How's that knee doing, miss? — he asked, half smiling.
— It's fine — I replied, trying to sound casual. — Just tired… I think I'll go up and rest a bit.
He nodded, slow, serene — the kind of presence that always soothed me.
I climbed the steps carefully, and once inside the studio, I dropped onto the couch. Turned on the TV and let whatever show roll, without watching.
Maybe that's how you climb out of the bottom — not in big leaps, but one step at a time.