Weeks passed, and their connection only grew. Mark had a habit of surprising Anna—sometimes with her favorite pastries from the bakery near her office, sometimes with random texts that made her laugh at the worst moments of her workday. She was letting her guard down, and it felt... safe.
One Thursday evening, Mark texted:"No plans this weekend, right? Pack a bag. Something casual. Trust me."
Anna raised an eyebrow at the message."Are you kidnapping me or taking me camping?""Neither. Just trust me."
By Saturday morning, they were on the road. Mark wouldn't reveal the destination but hummed along to the radio while Anna tried to guess, clearly enjoying her frustration. Two hours later, the car pulled up to a small, rustic cabin near a quiet lake, ringed by tall pine trees.
Anna's mouth parted in surprise. "You remembered I said I used to come to lakes with my family as a kid..."
Mark just shrugged with a grin. "Thought you might like it."
The first day was perfect—sunlight danced on the water as they kayaked, grilled dinner on the deck, and ended the night stargazing wrapped in a blanket.
But on the second morning, the sky turned grey.
Rain fell in heavy sheets, trapping them inside. Power flickered once but held. With no TV and limited signal, they lit candles, played old board games, and made pancakes from scratch.
Anna sat cross-legged on the rug, hair tied up messily, watching Mark fumble with a spatula in the tiny kitchen.
"You're terrible at flipping," she teased.
Mark glanced back, a piece of pancake dangling half-cooked off the spatula. "This is a high-stakes situation. Stop distracting me."
Later, as thunder rumbled in the distance and rain painted streaks on the windows, they found themselves curled up on the couch, blankets and stories between them.
Mark stared at the ceiling and said quietly, "You ever think about how people can be in the same room, love each other even, and still grow apart?"
Anna looked over, surprised by the shift in tone. "That's... specific."
He nodded. "My parents were like that. Stayed married because it was easier, I guess. But it was like they were roommates with a shared mortgage."
She sat up. "You ever afraid that could happen to you?"
"Yeah," he admitted. "I think that's why I go slow. I've seen what love looks like when it's worn down."
Anna was quiet for a moment. "Same."
The silence wasn't uncomfortable. It was honest.
Later, as the rain slowed and twilight settled in, Mark looked over at her, his voice low and almost careless.
"You know, I think I'm falling for you."
Anna blinked, caught off guard. "You think?"
He smiled. "Okay. I know."
Her breath caught in her chest. A thousand replies rose, but all she said was:"I know too."