part 24 : caught in the quiet

The breeze that evening was cool, brushing

Fiona's cheeks like a lullaby. She walked the

narrow path between the rose gardens near

the hill, her cardigan wrapped tight around

her. The town was settling down-the lamps

glowing golden, soft footsteps fading

behind her.

She heard his steps before she saw him

No rush. No chase

Just.. footsteps falling in sync with hers

"Running again?" he asked, voice as smooth

as the cello's hum.

She didn't stop. "Not running. Just walking.

He matched her pace, hands in his pockets.

"Can I walk with you?"

Fiona sighed, her heart giving one defiant

thud. "You already are."

A quiet laugh escaped him, and they walked

in silence for a few beats.

Then: "You didn't come Friday.

"I wasn't ready."

"I didn't expect you to be." He glanced at

her. "But 1'Il keep playing.

Fiona stopped. "Why?"

He looked at her, not flinching. "Because

when you finally listen.... I want the music to

be worth the wait."

She swallowed. Hard.

The stars were starting to bloom above

them, and her chest ached--not with pain,

but with that terrifying pull of maybe

She turned toward him slowly. "You don't

know me.'

He smiled, gently. "Not yet. But I'd like to.

Quietly. Kindly."

"And what if I never let you?"

He tilted his head, thoughtful. "Then I'Il still

be grateful i met the girl who walks with

thunderstorms in her eyes."

Fiona blinked, lips parting--no words, no

comeback.

Just her heart betraying her with a soft

flutter.

She turned away quickly. "Let's walk a little

more.'

And he followed-not too close, not too far

be gratetul I met the giri who walks with

thunderstorms in her eyes."

Fiona blinked, lips parting=no words, no

comeback.

Just her heart betraying her with a soft

flutter.

She turned away quickly. "Let's walk a little

more.'

And he followed-not too close, not too far.

Just enough.