Julian stepped into Room 204βand froze. Standing by the window was Maya.
Five years of silent heartbreak and fruitless searching vanished in a single breath.
"I never stopped looking for you," Julian whispered, closing the door.
Tears spilled down Mayaβs cheeks as she crossed the room and threw her arms around his neck.
Their kiss was sudden, fierce, and desperate with five years of starvation. Shedding their heavy coats, they tumbled onto the narrow bed, burying themselves in the intense, feverish warmth of a reunion they had both stopped believing in.
Later, in the quiet after the storm, Maya rested her head against his chest.
"Are you real?" she breathed.
Julian tightened his grip around her. "I'm never letting go again."