Butterfly | Dave East

Nayeli  is a 30-year-old single mother raising her spirited 7-year-old son, in her hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. After enduring heartbreak from failed relationships, including the painful fallout with her son's  father, Nayeli has sworn off the idea of romance. Instead, she pours herself into her career  and focuses on being the best mom she can be.


But life has a way of shifting even the most carefully laid plans.


When news spreads that a mutual friend from Nayeli's close-knit circle has tragically passed away, old bonds are rekindled. Among those returning to town for the memorial is Shai Smith, a 36-year-old successful sports trainer who has spent years traveling for his career. Nayeli and Shai have known each other for over a decade, always sharing playful banter and harmless flirtation. They've laughed off their chemistry as nothing more than jokes - two people who were never in the right place at the right time.


In the wake of loss, Shai stays in town longer than planned, reconnecting with old friends and reflecting on the fragility of life. As he and Nayeli cross paths more often, their once lighthearted interactions deepen.


Despite the spark between them, both Shai and Nayeli carry the weight of past heartbreak. Shai's last relationship left him wary of trust, and Nayeli is terrified of exposing her son to a love that might not last. But as the days pass, their connection becomes undeniable.


Through laughter, tears, and the lessons of loss, Nayeli and Shai learn that healing isn't about forgetting the past, but finding the courage to embrace what's ahead. In the echoes of shared memories  they discover that sometimes, love doesn't come when you're searching for it.