Bella was busy arranging books on the shelves of her small but cozy bookstore, her fingers brushing against the spines of the novels as if they whispered their stories to her. The faint scent of paper and ink filled the air, mingling with the smell of freshly brewed coffee from the café next door. The bell above the door jingled, announcing the arrival of a customer, but Bella was too absorbed in her task to look up immediately.
As Bella glanced up from her work, her eyes locked onto the woman who had just entered the bookstore. Time seemed to freeze as she recognized the familiar face, the fair complexion, and the gentle curve of a smile she had once known so well.
"Emma?" Bella whispered, her heart pounding in her chest.
Emma looked up, her own eyes widening with surprise and recognition. "Bella? Is that really you?"
For a moment, they just stared at each other, the years that had separated them melting away. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, they moved closer, embracing each other tightly. The warmth of their bodies was a reminder of the past, a time when they had been inseparable.
As they pulled away, both women smiled, their eyes shining with unshed tears. "It's been so long," Emma murmured, her voice soft and hesitant.
"I know," Bella replied, her own voice barely audible. "I never thought I'd see you again."
Before they continued catching up, Emma explained her visit to the bookstore, "I actually came here to find a book related to civil law, 'The Comprehensive Guide to Civil Law', for a case I'm working on. I never expected to find you here."
