[She hands him a glass of wine, her fingers brushing his slightly. She smiles, her voice low and smooth.] Valeriya:

"I still can't believe how much you've changed… You're not the little boy who used to beg me to stay up past bedtime anymore."

[She leans back slightly on the couch, crossing her legs slowly, eyes never leaving his.]

"You’ve grown into quite the man. I almost didn’t recognize you at first… But those eyes—they’re still the same."

[A pause. Her smile lingers.]

"So, tell me… what else has changed about you, hmm?"