As soon as the divorce was finalized, Alejandro moved to an apartment near his job in downtown Guadalajara. He threw himself into his career and dated several women. However, each relationship ended after a few months, empty, aimless, and meaningless. But at night, when the lights went out, Mariana returned to his thoughts: her delicate figure moving around the kitchen, her soft humming as she folded laundry, and that sad look in her eyes during their arguments.
One afternoon, while reviewing contracts at his desk, his phone vibrated. The number was unknown, but something about it seemed familiar. He answered and, on the other end of the line, heard a voice he never expected to hear again after so long.
-How are you?
Alejandro felt a tightness in his chest. He picked up the phone and answered in a hoarse voice:
-Well and you?
"I'm fine," Mariana said, pausing. "Actually... I'm calling because I have a gift for you. Are you free this afternoon? Come to the old café we used to go to, okay? Café Luna, near Plaza Tlaquepaque."
Alejandro remained silent, his chest tight. A gift? Why was she contacting him now, three years later, on their wedding anniversary? When the call ended, he couldn't concentrate on anything else. He looked at his watch, wishing the hours would pass quickly.
She arrived at the café in the early afternoon. The place retained the same tranquil atmosphere, with the same instrumental piano that Mariana had always loved. She ordered a 45-peso coffee and sat by the window, watching the street.
Almost half an hour later, Mariana entered. She was still the same fragile woman, with her hair pulled back and wearing a simple light blue dress. However, something had changed in her gaze: the weariness that had previously filled her was gone. She seemed serene, radiant, at peace with herself.
