Eu sat at the back of the classroom, surrounded by the soothing hum of pencil scratches and rustling papers. Bena approached with a shy smile, her bright eyes twinkling with a question that was more than mathematical.
"Could you help me with this equation?"
"Of course," I replied, hiding my delight behind a composed exterior.
We lingered outside the café, the air thick with unspoken words. My heart raced as I leaned in, brushing my lips against Bena's in a timid yet electrifying gesture. Eu felt the world blur around us, the moment marking the beginning of something profound.
"I felt that too," she whispered, her voice a soft melody against the evening breeze.
The call of duty separated us, Eu to the sea and Bena to distant shores. Our letters were lifelines, each word infused with longing and hope.
"I promise to return," I wrote, the ink smudging with emotion.
"I'll wait," she replied, her words a beacon of light across the waters.
Our paths converged again in Belém, a city alive with celebration. It was my birthday, but the true gift was Bena's presence. We talked endlessly, wrapped in a bubble of shared memories.
"It's as if no time has passed," I marveled, holding her hand tightly.
"And yet, we've both grown," she responded, her eyes shining with warmth.
Eu and Bena started anew in a cozy apartment in Rio, where every corner spoke of dreams and sacrifices. Our lives intertwined as we navigated challenges, our love growing stronger with each shared experience.
"This is home," I said, surveying the space filled with mismatched furnishings and shared aspirations.
"Because we have each other," she affirmed, her voice a soothing balm.
Years later, amidst the echoes of church bells, Eu and Bena celebrated a love that had weathered time and distance. The presence of family, friends, and the memories of those who had departed filled the air with a sense of gratitude and continuity.
"Tonight, we honor not just our love, but everyone who has been part of our journey," I declared, my voice resonating with emotion.
"Together, we've built a life rich with meaning," she added, her gaze never leaving mine.
