It was a quiet Saturday. The sun filtered through the curtains, drawing golden lines on the parquet floor. Mia and Cid, dressed in comfortable clothes, were busy cleaning in a peaceful atmosphere. The silence between them was neither awkward nor heavy; it had something complicit, something gentle.
Mia wiped a cloth over the coffee table while Cid put some things into a box destined for the basement.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
Mia (looking up, surprised):
"Are you expecting someone?"
Cid (raising his head, frowning slightly):
"No, I don't have any plans today... Rose maybe?"
Mia:
"She would have called. Will you see?"
Cid (nodding):
"Yeah, I'll go."
He put down the items he was holding and walked calmly to the door. But as soon as he opened it, his body froze.
Cid:
—…Lara?
She stood there, her eyes swollen and red, dried tears on her cheeks, her hair a mess. She looked exhausted, even broken.
Cid (stunned):
— What are you doing here?
Lara (voice trembling):
— Cid… I'm sorry. I know I don't have the right to come back like this. But… I couldn't take it anymore.
Cid remained silent for a few seconds. He felt a lump form in his throat. He glanced quickly back toward the living room, then left completely, gently closing the door behind him.
Cid (taking a deep breath):
— Lara, we've already had this discussion. It's over. You asked for it.
Lara (approaching, her voice breaking):
"I know... I know... But... I still love you, Cid. I've tried everything to forget you. I've seen other people. I've tried to convince myself... but nothing worked. I miss you. Your absence is destroying me."
Cid looked down. His heart was beating too fast, his mind torn between anger, sadness, compassion... and confusion.
Cid:
"Why now?"
Lara:
"Because I realized I ruined everything with jealousy and pride. Because I'm willing to change for you... if I have to."
At that moment, she opened the door without waiting and entered the living room. Mia, alerted by the noise, turned around abruptly.
Mia:
"What's she doing here?"
Lara stopped in front of her, her throat tight. Then, to everyone's astonishment, she fell to her knees.
Lara (pleading):
"I know I hurt you, Mia. That I was hateful to you... I ask your forgiveness. I don't expect you to forgive me right away. But I want you to know that I'm sorry. From the bottom of my heart."
A heavy silence fell. Mia remained frozen. But before she could say anything, Cid raised his hand.
Cid:
"Lara... Give us some time. This is... a lot to take in."
Lara slowly looked up at him. She nodded softly.
Lara (whispering):
"Okay... I understand. I'm sorry, again."
Then she turned on her heel and left without another word, closing the door behind her with almost painful discretion.