Life did not slow down after the missed call.If anything, it became quieter.And sometimes, quiet things are louder than noise.The hospital smelled like antiseptic and warm tea.Leo sat beside his grandmother’s bed again, holding her hand like he used to when he was a little boy afraid of thunderstorms.She was better now.Color had returned to her cheeks. Her voice was stronger.“You look like you haven’t slept,” she said gently.“I’m fine.”“You are not fine,” she corrected him softly.Before he could respond, there was a soft knock on the door.Leo turned.Sofia stood there.Holding a small bouquet of white flowers.She looked nervous.“Hi…” she said quietly.Leo blinked in surprise. “Sofia? You didn’t have to come.”“I wanted to.”The grandmother adjusted herself slightly on the bed, studying the girl standing in the doorway.“Come closer,” she said.Sofia walked in slowly.She handed her the flowers. “I heard you weren’t feeling well. I hope you recover quickly.”The grandmothe

‎Leo stared at his phone for a full minute before typing.‎He was sitting on the edge of Sofia’s bed. She was brushing her hair in front of the mirror, pretending not to look nervous.‎He finally typed:‎Leo:‎E-L-E-N-A. Cover for me. I’m staying here tonight. Don’t let Papa Lucio worry.‎Three dots appeared almost immediately.‎‎Elene:‎Seriously?‎‎Leo:‎Yes. Please.‎Pause.‎‎Then:‎‎Elene:‎Fine. I’ll handle him.‎‎Another message came right after.‎‎Elene:‎Use protection. And be gentle. She’s not one of your gym projects.‎‎Leo almost choked.‎‎Leo:‎Shut up.‎‎Elene:‎I’m serious.‎‎He rolled his eyes but smiled.‎‎Leo:‎Thank you.‎‎Elene:‎Don’t make me an aunt at 19.‎‎He locked his phone and shook his head.‎Sofia turned. “What?”‎“My sister thinks she’s my mother.”‎Sofia smiled shyly. “She’s just protective.”‎“Of you, maybe. Not me.”‎She walked toward him slowly.‎“You told her?”‎“I had to. She’s covering for me.”‎Sofia’s cheeks turned pink again.‎‎The

The summer holidays passed faster than anyone expected.For Leo, the days felt long without Sofia. They still talked every day — sometimes by video call, sometimes just by messages when the network failed. But it wasn’t the same as seeing her face, holding her hand, or hearing her laugh beside him.Elena noticed it every day.“You look like someone stole your favorite toy,” she teased one morning while they were eating breakfast.Leo rolled his eyes. “Very funny.”“You miss her.”“I didn’t say that.”“You don’t have to.”Papa Lucio sat at the table quietly drinking his coffee. He didn’t interrupt them, but he listened. He always listened.After a moment he said calmly, “She will come back. If the relationship is real, distance will not break it.”Leo nodded slightly.He believed that.And a few days later, the day finally came.Sofia ReturnsThe campus was busy again. Students were arriving with suitcases, greeting friends, laughing, telling stories about their holidays.Leo stood ne