The cafe buzzed with Friday night chatter, but Elias barely registered it. He watched Maya across the small, round table. Her laugh, a bright chime, echoed in his ears. She was recounting some work drama to her current friend, a woman with a severe bob. Elias took a slow sip of his espresso, the bitterness a counterpoint to the sweetness blooming in his chest. He'd bumped into her at the farmer's market last week, and she’d been polite, even friendly. Tonight, she’d been… well, she hadn't recognized him. Not at all.
He idly traced the rim of the cup. The waitress arrived, refilling his water glass. "Everything alright, sir?" Elias simply nodded, offering a small, tight smile. "Marvelous, thank you." It was almost unbelievable how little her eyes flicked his way, barely registering him. He felt a light, bubbly sensation, like the espresso dancing in his stomach. He was free.
He leaned back in his chair as Maya went on, gesturing emphatically. That shared sandbox, the countless afternoons spent building forts, the secret language they’d concocted—all erased. He had a clean slate. A fresh start. He let out a silent breath, the corners of his lips lifting just a bit more.