HEARTSTRINGS | CHANLIX

15

Felix sighed as the morning sun filtered through the trees as they arrived at the park. The air was crisp, with a light breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. Evelyn skipped ahead, her curly hair bouncing as she made a beeline for the swings.

She was dressed in her favorite pastel-yellow dress, the one she insisted on wearing for special occasions, and her joy was infectious as she raced toward the playground.

Chan watched her with a soft smile, his heart swelling with love and a tinge of nervousness. Felix stood beside him, his hand resting on Chan’s shoulder, offering silent support as they took in the peaceful surroundings.

The park was mostly empty, save for a few families enjoying the early morning calm, which gave Chan a small measure of relief. It was the perfect setting, just as they had planned—open, neutral, and comforting.

“Are you ready?” Felix asked quietly, his voice a steady anchor in the sea of Chan’s emotions.

Chan exhaled slowly, nodding. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied, his voice soft but determined. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him, but Felix’s presence grounded him, giving him the strength he needed to face what was coming.

Felix offered him a reassuring smile. “We’ll get through this,” he said firmly. “Together.”

With that, they made their way to the playground, where Evelyn was already on the swings, laughing as she tried to pump her legs to gain height. Felix was the first to push her gently, his face lighting up as Evelyn’s laughter filled the air.

Chan stood back for a moment, watching the scene unfold. It was moments like these that made everything worth it. But then, he saw her—a figure approaching from the other side of the park, moving hesitantly toward them.

Mia.

Chan’s heart skipped a beat as he recognized her. She looked different, her once vibrant energy now subdued, almost hesitant. She wore a simple outfit—jeans and a soft pink blouse—and her long hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail. There was an air of uncertainty about her, as if she wasn’t sure whether she was welcome in this moment.

Felix noticed her too and gave Chan a subtle nod. “I’ll stay with Evelyn,” he said quietly, understanding that Chan needed to handle this first meeting alone. Chan appreciated the gesture, grateful for Felix’s intuitive support.

Taking a deep breath, Chan walked over to where Mia stood, stopping a few feet away. “Hi, Mia,” he greeted her, his voice calm but tinged with tension.

Mia looked up, her eyes locking onto his, and she offered a small, tentative smile. “Hi, Chan,” she replied, her voice soft, almost fragile. “Thank you… for letting me come.”

Chan nodded, not sure what to say at first. But he knew why they were here, and he couldn’t let old wounds prevent what needed to happen.

“I thought the park would be a good place,” Chan said, gesturing to the playground. “Evelyn loves it here.”

Mia’s gaze shifted to where Felix was gently pushing Evelyn on the swings, her eyes softening as she watched the little girl. “She’s grown so much,” Mia whispered, almost to herself. “She’s beautiful.”