Chapter 10

I giggled out loud, which seemed to surprise Peach.

"Miss Stratton, you have such a beautiful laugh."

As we were walking in the courtyard, a breeze started to pick up. Peach went back to my room to fetch a scarf for me, repeatedly telling me not to wander off before she left.

I crouched down, waiting idly for Peach to return.

Just then, a shadow fell across me.

I guessed who it was without looking up.

"Long time no see, Fletcher."

Fletcher's voice was hesitant.

"How are you doing?"

Hearing Fletcher's voice made me nervous, and I instinctively started looking around for Peach.

Seeing my reaction, Fletcher anxiously took a step forward.

"I don't mean anything by it, I just wanted to see if you were okay. Don't be afraid."

Only then did I get a good look at Fletcher. His usually well-groomed hair was falling across his forehead, his chin covered in dark stubble. His eyes were sunken, and he looked particularly disheveled.

I was stunned for a moment, then spoke softly.