The rain was relentless, mirroring the storm inside Julian’s chest as he sat at the edge of the bed. In his hands, he held a polaroid of Maya. She was laughing, her eyes crinkling at the corners, radiating the kind of warmth that could thaw the coldest winter.

He found her at her sister’s apartment, just as she was unloading her car. She looked up, startled, as a soaked Julian came to a halt in front of her.

As they stood embraced in the rain, Julian knew the hard work of rebuilding was just beginning. But for the first time in a long time, he was ready to give her his all.