Ch. 2: Chapter 2 — The Year That Almost Broke Them

They had met last January, in the same city café where broken dreams gathered every evening.

Her name was Meera.

They talked about books, travel, life, the strange comfort of strangers. They became friends quickly. Too quickly.

The year was not kind to either of them. Jobs failed. Families worried. Plans collapsed.

But every bad day ended the same way — with a message.

Did you eat? Are you okay? Tomorrow will be lighter.

They never promised forever.

They only promised: don’t disappear.