Aria and Liora reached the creek and immediately kicked off their shoes, wading into the cool water with happy sighs. The sun sparkled on the surface, turning the creek into a ribbon of diamonds. Liora splashed water at Aria, who laughed and splashed back, and for a few perfect minutes, everything was simple and joyful.
They were sitting on the turtle rock, feet dangling in the water, when Kaelan appeared on the path. He raised a hand in greeting, a small smile on his face.
"You're early too," Aria called out.
"Couldn't focus on reading," he admitted, making his way over to them. "Kept thinking about yesterday."
Liora grinned. "See? We're all addicted to creek time now. It's official."
Kaelan settled onto the rock beside Aria, close enough that their shoulders almost touched. The three of them sat in comfortable silence for a moment, just enjoying being together.
Then Elara emerged from the tree line.
