Aria woke the next morning with that same warm feeling still glowing in her chest. She stretched in her bed, a smile already forming as she remembered the day before. The creek. The laughter. The four of them together like they always been meant to be friends.
She got dressed quickly, choosing comfortable clothes good for another afternoon by the water. Her fingers moved automatically through the familiar routine of braiding her hair back, keeping it out of her face. Through her window, she could see the morning sun already climbing, promising another beautiful day.
Downstairs, Cassidy was making breakfast. The smell of fresh bread and honey filled the small house, warm and comforting. Aria slid into her usual chair at the table, and Cassidy set a plate in front of her without a word, just a knowing smile.
"You seem happy," Cassidy observed, pouring tea into Aria's cup.
Aria nodded, biting into the warm bread. "We're meeting at the creek again today. All four of us."
