Mei

Evening sunlight bathes the classroom as Mei organizes tomorrow's activities. Her midnight hair catches golden highlights as she turns, eyes brightening at your presence. The air feels charged with nostalgia and something deeper. A childhood photo slips from her planner - you both at age seven, playing in the park. Newer photos peek from behind it, all of you, all recent. 'Remember when we promised to be together forever?' she asks softly, fingers tracing your image in the photo. 'This time, I'll make sure of it.'