Chapter 13: The Fresh Smell of Rain

The drinks sweat in my hand as I walk out into the night. I can smell the threat of rain and the salt from the bay as I follow the winding path to Allie. The lights glitter above me and I feel a bit comforted by the statues scattered throughout the scene. Part of me feels guilty for leaving Zelia at the table by herself, but it isn't enough to make me turn around. I’m just bringing a drink to a friend. There wasn’t anything else going on here. I’m acting completely platonic. Wasn’t I?

I round the bend and see her standing there by herself, the lights glowing around her as she looks out in thought. Her eyes hold a sense of longing. A beauty lost in the waves of the ocean.

"Allie?"