The morning was cool, light streaming golden through the lace curtains of Hazel's bedroom. She stretched, relishing the quiet of a slow morning, and let her eyes roam over the familiar, cozy crannies of her home. The air was flavored faintly with her mother's lavender sachets and the slightly musty smell of old books. That afternoon, Richard had suggested they go meet his friends at the park, then end the day at the beach. Hazel felt a soft shiver of excitement, a mix of anticipation and comfort she hadn't realized she'd missed.
By the time they arrived at the park, the sun was warm beneath their feet, and sunlight filtered in dappled fashion through the leaves, creating golden pools on the grassy ground. Daniel and Zoe were already lying on a blanket beneath a spreading oak, laughing together over some tale that seemed to be both absurd and amusing. Hazel's bosom heaved as she waved and went to sit down beside them with Richard, her heart warming inwardly at the sight of friendly, familiar faces.
Richard presented Hazel again, but this time it was not so formal, more casual. Milan was sitting slightly apart from the rest of them, observing them with a still attentiveness. Hazel was conscious of her immediately: the slight tilt of her head when someone was talking, the small, definite movements of her hands, the quiet smile she gave to the jokes bubbling around. There was something riveting about her presence, though Hazel's heart was still naive and unsuspecting.
"Hazel," Richard said with a grin, "this is your second day of the holiday crash course and how to survive hanging out with us without dying of boredom." Hazel laughed, shaking her head. "I don't think I'm in danger yet," she replied, feeling lighter than she had in weeks.
The group dissolved into teasing good humor. Daniel told a tall tale of nearly being assaulted by a squirrel, which Zoe rolled her eyes at dramatically. Hazel laughed without inhibition at the silliness, the echo of her own laughter resounding through the quiet moments between birdsong and rustling leaves. She forgot for a moment about the rigid schedules of the convent, the silence she had grown used to it was just heat, sunshine, and laughter.
Sometime later, Hazel paused to catch her breath, sweeping a thin sheen of sweat from her forehead. Milan appeared at her side, picking her way carefully through the loose rocks and grass. "You're faster than I figured you'd be," she said softly, her tone teasing but not unkind. Hazel's eyes flew open, a little embarrassed. "I… I guess I've been practicing," she stuttered, a nervous laugh escaping. They walked side by side for a few minutes, swapping muted discussion of books, recollections of childhood, and small hobbies. Hazel felt a comfortable ease with Milan, a sense of being understood and known without words.
Aleona watched from a distance, her subtle smile hidden behind her hand. She knew of Milan's quiet crush on Hazel, of course, but it was news to Hazel. Milan was merely a nice, thoughtful, and gentle friend to her; someone she genuinely enjoyed being around.
The afternoon drifted by like a soft, warm breeze. Teasing, laughter, and friendly disagreements wove their way in and out of the group's conversation. Hazel noticed little gestures: Milan's hand reaching out to brush an errant leaf from her shoulder, chuckling softly at Daniel's drama, leaning forward with interest whenever Hazel spoke. Little things that built a soft warmth in her chest, a feeling that something she couldn't quite say was quietly special.
As the sun climbed higher, the party headed towards the beach. The walk was full of easy chatter: memories of beach vacations when they were kids, teasing about whose sandcastle could be the tallest, mock disagreement about whose sprint to the water would be the fastest. The air grew saltier, the sound of the surf blending with the distant cries of gulls. Hazel's heart swelled at the simple joy of movement and companionship.
By the time they reached the sand, Hazel buried her toes in its warmth, enjoying the soft, shifting grains. She opened her sunscreen and began to apply it carefully, humming under her breath. When she tried to reach her back, her fingers barely grazed the center. "I can't get it all…" she complained under her breath, blushing slightly.
Milan, who was close by, saw immediately. "I can help," she said softly, quietly stepping in. Hazel turned her head uncertainly, cheeks flushing further still. "Oh… um, okay," she muttered.
Kneeling behind Hazel, Milan applied the sunscreen with gentleness, sweeping lightly over her shoulders. Hazel felt a strange flutter, though she focused on the waves in front of her. It wasn't anything suggestive, just a simple, gentle touch but it lingered with her in a way that made her chest feel light and tense.
"You've got some spots here," Milan said under her breath, her voice low and intent. Hazel nodded, letting her finish up, relishing the attention and comfort of the interaction. When Milan stepped away at last, Hazel smiled diffidently. "Thanks… I don't think I could have managed on my own."
"No problem," Milan replied, eyes catching Hazel's momentarily, calm and empathetic. "Gotta look out for each other, right?"
The afternoon merged in a blur of splashes, sandcastle building, frisbee throwing, and beach running. Hazel laughed more freely than she had in months, soaking up sun, water, and friendship warmth. She noticed Milan's subtle attentiveness in handing her a drink, brushing sand from her towel, laughing at the same jokes she found funny and little things that built a lingering warmth in her chest.
As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting long golden shadows on the sand, Hazel fell onto her towel and let the last bit of warmth spill over her shoulders. Waves, laughter, and cries of playful excitement filled the air. She hadn't smiled so readily in months, she thought. Today had been simple, but perfect and she loved every bit of it.