"Edris?" A familiar voice called his name from behind, and he turned, pushing himself to his feet.
"Oh… Lyra. Sorry."
He flicked away his cigarette, crushing it under his shoe, waving away the smoke.
"That won't be necessary," she said, nodding at the discarded cigarette. Rowan was a heavy smoker—she could tolerate the smoke.
Lyra looked at him, a quiet warmth in her eyes.
"It's been months since the last time I came here. How are you, Edris?"
"I've been well enough," he said, keeping it brief.
His hair had grown long—long enough to be tied back neatly. She wondered how Pearl would react if she saw him in this new look.
Pearl would probably either cry or scream at how handsome her crush had become. The thought made her smile widely.
"I was just coming back from the restroom and saw you. Mind if I join you?"
"Of course."
Lyra sat on the bench, and Edris joined her quietly.
He scanned the area—there was no sign of the man he had been trying to spot.
