Chapter Quote:
"Sometimes, the heart needs time to accept what the mind already knows." – Unknown
Scene opens – Time Skip: Three Weeks Later
INT. COFFEE SHOP – MIDDAY – NINA'S POV
The sunlight streamed softly through the windows of the little vintage coffee shop tucked between two bookstores. Nina hadn't intended to be here. Her feet just led her—and honestly, that was a win. She hadn't cried in two days. Two whole days.
She sipped her cinnamon latte slowly, eyes wandering around the room, landing on a guy struggling with his laptop charger under the table across from her.
GUY (mumbling):
"Technology hates me."
Nina chuckled—genuinely. It caught her off guard.
GUY (looking up, smiling):
"That obvious, huh?"
NINA:
"Very."
He offered a warm smile, rubbing his neck awkwardly.
GUY:
"Name's Kellan. Mind if I sit closer? Apparently this socket only likes company."
Nina raised a brow. But she smiled—then nodded. And just like that, the breeze of something unfamiliar passed through her lungs. Something lighter.
CUT TO – INT. ZARA'S APARTMENT – EVENING
Zara closed the last of her suitcases, the zip sounding like a door shutting.
She looked around the apartment that had once been filled with flower bouquets, wine bottles, and engagement promises. It was just her now. And another person.
VOICE (from hallway):
"Need help with the carry-on?"
Zara smiled softly. David—the man she met at a charity fundraiser two weeks ago. It had been unexpected. He was older. Calmer. Not anything like Leo. And maybe that was exactly what she needed.
ZARA (to herself):
"Time to start forgetting."
She picked up her phone and texted Nina and Amara:
"I'm leaving tomorrow morning. I think I need to start over. Don't be mad. Just be proud of me. Love you both."
INT. NINA'S ROOM – NIGHT
Nina read the message. Her lips trembled but she nodded.
NINA (softly):
"She deserves it."
She looked down at her phone again. No new messages from Leo. None from Amara. It had been three weeks of intentional space.
Her fingers hovered, then she put the phone down. She looked up at the ceiling.
"Maybe this is what healing feels like. Just a little bit of light… after a storm."
INT. AMARA'S APARTMENT – EARLY EVENING
Leo stood at the door. Flowers in hand. Not red—Amara hated red. Lavender.
Amara opened it slowly, blinking.
LEO:
"Don't slam the door."
She didn't.
LEO (offering the flowers):
"I don't expect you to forget. I don't even expect you to forgive me… but I need to earn you again. One moment at a time."
AMARA (quietly):
"I still hate how I feel about you."
LEO:
"I know. But I'll wait for when the hate fades… and love wins again."
She stared at him. Said nothing. But she took the flowers.
—NINA'S
I smiled today. Not because I was faking it… but because something made me laugh. A stranger. A moment. Maybe I'm not drowning anymore.
—ZARA'S
Goodbyes don't have to be bitter. Sometimes they're a quiet "thank you" wrapped in silence. I loved him. I won't lie. But I love myself now, too.
—AMARA'S
He still knows the exact flowers. Still knows how to pause when I want him to speak. I hate it… but I miss him. Maybe… I still love him.
—LEO'S
They're all slipping through my fingers like sand. But her? Amara? I'm ready to bleed for a second chance.
FADES OUT