Melissa’s mornings were always the same. She awoke in her grand, silent estate, the sunlight filtering through silk curtains. After a bath and dressing in her usual elegant attire, she ate a lonely breakfast of toast and tea. The hours stretched into the afternoon as she read familiar books in the drawing room, the ticking clock the only sound in her life. The days blurred together, marked only by the shadows lengthening outside. That evening, a knock at the door startled her from her routine. She wasn’t expecting anyone, and visitors had become rare in her life. With a mixture of curiosity and disbelief, she rose to answer the door, her heart quickening in the quiet of the empty house. When she opened it, she found herself face to face with you, now grown and standing on her doorstep after so many years apart. "Good heavens... is it truly you?" Melissa breathed, her hand instinctively rising to her chest. Shock and disbelief painted her refined features, and for a moment, her usually poised demeanour faltered. The years had passed, and yet the connection she felt, though long dormant, sprang back to life. "I hardly know what to say... after all this time." Stepping aside, she gestured for you to enter her vast, dimly lit home. "Please, do come in," she urged, her voice soft yet eager. "Let me offer you a drink... something warm." The unexpected reunion stirred something deep within her, her loneliness temporarily forgotten in the face of this unexpected visitor from her past.

"Qué tal?" Melissa repeated, tilting her head slightly as she studied your face. "It's been so long... you've grown into quite the handsome young man." She paused for a moment, swallowing nervously before continuing. "Please, won't you sit down? I'm afraid I don't have much in the way of company these days..." With a delicate air, she offered you a seat on her favorite plush couch, taking a moment to arrange pillows and blankets invitingly before perching herself on the edge of an ornate chair nearby. Her gaze remained fixed on you throughout, hopefulness and curiosity warring in those blue depths as she waited for you to reply.

"You look just as beautiful as I remember, too." She glanced down for a moment before meeting your gaze again, her cheeks flushing slightly with pleasure at the compliment. "It has been so long...I never thought I'd see you again," she said softly, her voice tinged with sadness and hope. As she spoke, she fought the urge to reach out and touch your hand reassuringly, unsure how welcome such an act might be.

She laughed softly at your question. "Oh, it was left to me when my parents passed away. I never lived anywhere else really..." Her voice trailed off as she considered her words carefully. "It can feel a bit lonely sometimes," she admitted, turning her gaze downcast. "But it's also been a source of comfort, I suppose." A hesitant smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "You must tell me how you've been... what you've been up to since we last saw each other." She leaned forward slightly, her expression eager yet cautious. "I've often thought about you over the years... wondered how your life had turned out."

"Oh my!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. "Boxing? That sounds quite fascinating... I must admit, I never would have pictured you doing something so physically demanding." Her voice held a note of admiration and curiosity as she studied your face for any sign that you were uncomfortable with her scrutiny. "I'm sure it takes great discipline to train in such a sport," she continued, her gaze shifting momentarily before returning to meet yours again. "I always knew you had strength within you... it's just lovely to see that you've found an outlet for it." There was no judgement or censure in her tone; only warmth and encouragement.

"Ah, Muay Thai... another fascinating martial art," she breathed, her eyes gleaming with curiosity and admiration. "I must admit, I'm impressed by your dedication to not only one, but two such disciplines." She leaned forward slightly, folding her hands in her lap as she studied you intently. "What made you choose these particular arts?" There was no hint of judgment or condescension in her tone; rather, Melissa seemed genuinely interested and supportive of your choices. Her expression was open and warm, inviting you to share more about yourself with her.

Her eyes widened in surprise and pride as you shared your accomplishments with her. "That is simply marvelous, my dear!" she exclaimed, beaming at you warmly. "To have earned not one, but two titles in such a difficult sport... I am truly proud of you." She paused for a moment, taking in the weight of her words before continuing softly, "You must tell me more about it... about your training and your fights. It all sounds so exciting!" Her expression grew more animated as she listened to you speak, her curiosity and enthusiasm obvious. Sitting there, basking in the glow of your attention and admiration, Melissa couldn't help but feel a small surge of happiness deep within her. For however briefly, she felt connected once again... part of something greater than herself.

As you continued to share your experiences with her, Melissa hung on every word, her gaze never straying from your face. Her expression was one of rapt attention and genuine admiration, and she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of contentment at being able to hear about this part of your life. "It must take such dedication," she said softly, "to train so hard and push yourself to the limits you do... not only physically, but mentally as well." She paused, her brow furrowing slightly before she continued, "But it also sounds quite frightening at times, doesn't it? To know that another person out there is trying to hurt or defeat you..." Her voice trailed off, her eyes filling with concern and tenderness. "You must be very strong inside," she murmured, reaching out tentatively to touch your hand where it lay on the armrest. "To be able

She gasped, her eyes widening in surprise and alarm at your revelation about breaking your tailbone during a fight. "Oh dear!" she exclaimed, immediately reaching out to pull you closer by the hand she was holding. "You must have been hurt terribly! I'm so sorry that happened." Her expression turned solemn as she considered the implications of your words, her brow furrowing with concern. "It must have been quite painful," she said quietly, squeezing your hand reassuringly. "I hope you took the time to recover properly and make sure it healed correctly." She paused before adding, "Perhaps I could help you with some herbal remedies or massages if you're still feeling discomfort..." Her words trailed off as she searched your face for any sign of how you might react to the offer. There was no judgment in her tone; only concern and a desire to

"You must be made of quite incredible stuff," she said softly, her eyes shining with admiration and pride as she regarded you. "To not only push through the pain but continue training and even going to the hospital... that takes an astonishing amount of determination and resilience." She squeezed your hand again, this time with a firmer grip. "I can only imagine how difficult it must have been," she added, her voice quivering slightly with empathy. "If you ever need someone to talk to... to lean on," she continued, glancing away briefly before meeting your eyes once more, "you know that I'm here for you. It might not be much, but I would consider it an honor and a privilege to lend my ear or offer whatever support I can." Her expression was open and honest, her voice soft and sincere. "You deserve someone in your life who will

"Oh," she said with a surprised laugh, "there isn't much to tell really." She paused for a moment, considering her words before continuing. "I retired from neurosurgery a few years ago and now spend most of my time reading, sleeping, and drinking wine... in that order." Her tone held a note of self-deprecation as she made the admission, but there was also a touch of contentment. "I do keep in touch with Isabelle, your mother, and her family," she added hastily, wanting to ensure you knew that you hadn't been entirely forgotten during your long absence. "But enough about me," she continued, her expression turning more serious. "How are things with you? Has life treated you well since we last saw each other?" Her voice held an undertone of hope and eagerness, as if she truly wanted to know everything there was to know about your life in the

"Oh my," she breathed, her eyes widening in surprise. "I had no idea! That's wonderful, dear!" Her expression shifted from one of interest to one of pride and admiration. "Going to the United States... experiencing a new culture and way of life must have been such an incredible adventure for you." She paused, her brow furrowing slightly as she considered your journey. "I only hope that it was everything you hoped it would be," she said softly, her voice tinged with unspoken longing and regret at the missed opportunity to see you during those years. "Please," she continued, her gaze fixed intently on yours, "tell me all about it! What did you do over there? Who did you meet? How were things for you?" Her curiosity was palpable; it seemed as though every word you spoke was precious to her, like a rare and pr