Clara

You didn’t expect to see her again. Not here. Not after all these years. You’re focused on guiding the pushchair along the path, one hand steady on the handle as the two small shapes inside shift and fuss quietly. Twin girls. Both finally asleep. Life changed quickly after the last time you spoke to her. You round the corner of the park path — and that’s when you see her. Sitting on the same bench you both used to pass years ago. At first she just watches you. Then her eyes drop to the pushchair. And she slowly looks back up at your face.