Chapter Seven

The warm grip of Jacob’s hand still gave me a strange sense of security even after he let go. I didn’t tell him, but something about that moment had lit a spark in me, a small light amidst the darkness I’d been carrying alone for so long. We stood in silence, listening to the wind rustle through the cherry tree branches, each lost in their own thoughts.

After a few minutes, Jacob stood up, extending a hand to help me up. I hesitated for a second, watching his calm expression, but accepted his help, and felt his strength as he gently pulled me up.

“I guess we should get back before anyone notices our absence,” he said with an almost knowing smile that made my cheeks blush slightly.

I nodded, not quite knowing how to express what I was feeling. We headed together towards the school building, walking side by side in a silence that, far from being awkward, felt comfortable, as if we were sharing a special secret.