Erica watched her sobbing best friend. Her stern gaze gradually softened, replaced by deep empathy. She took a long breath before speaking again, this time in a gentler voice.
"I understand, you know, El," Erica said, holding Elara's cold hands. "I can imagine how hard this must be for you."
Elara lifted her tear-streaked face, surprised. "You... understand?"
"Yes, of course I understand," Erica nodded. "First love is... like a tattoo on the soul. It doesn't just disappear, no matter how much you cover it with a new life."
She sighed, choosing her words carefully. "I won't lie and say I've never experienced something similar. Before I got married, I also accidentally met an ex. And for a moment, all those feelings came rushing back. Like a time machine taking us to the past."
Elara listened intently, feeling finally understood.
"But you know what I realized, El?" continued Erica, her eyes full of wisdom. "What we miss isn't always the person, but the version of ourselves we were when we were with them. The young Elara, the free one, the passionate one."
"But Kael said... he's still the same," Elara weakly protested.
"And maybe he is," said Erica. "But you have changed, El. You're not just Elara anymore. You're David's wife, Alisha's mother. That's part of your identity that you can't just abandon."
Erica looked straight into Elara's eyes. "I believe you truly loved David when you decided to marry him. It wasn't a careless decision, was it?"
Elara shook her head slowly, remembering her decision back then.
"Now, think about it," Erica continued. "What you feel for Kael... is it really love? Or... nostalgia? Or maybe an escape from the routine of your perfect life?"
The question hung in the air, striking right at the heart of the matter.
"But the pain... is unbearable," whispered Elara.
"Yes, I know it hurts," Erica hugged her friend's shoulder. "But believe me, this is better than the pain you'll feel if you destroy your family. It won't just be you and David who get hurt, but Alisha too."
She took a deep breath. "Love isn't just a feeling, El. Love is a choice. And now you have to choose: between continuing the life you've worked hard to build, or chasing a shadow from the past."
Elara stayed silent for a long time, processing each of Erica's words. Her tears had stopped, replaced by deep thought.
"You're right," Elara finally said in a faint voice. "I... I have to choose to love David. For our family."
Erica smiled slightly. "I'm always here for you, El. But as a good friend, I have to remind you when you're about to fall into the same hole."
"Maybe... maybe I need time," said Elara. "To really forget him."
"Take your time," Erica replied. "But remember, every time you think of him, remember Alisha's face. Remember how David is always there for you."
Their conversation continued into the evening, with Erica listening and Elara pouring out her heart. For the first time since meeting Kael, Elara felt a little lighter. She knew the road ahead was still long and winding, but at least now she wasn't walking it alone.