TRAILS OF THE HEART
Luna walked out into the cold night, her steps unsteady, her thoughts racing.
Behind her, Ethan stood frozen, watching her disappear into the darkness. He didn't know whether to follow her… or let her go.
Slowly, he sat down on the couch.
The cold air brushed against his face.
His voice trembled as he finally spoke.
"Luna… likes me."
The words felt unfamiliar.
The mayor walked in quietly and sat beside him.
"I heard what she said," he began. "But the real question is… do you like her?"
Ethan said nothing.
His expression remained unreadable.
After a moment, he stood up and turned toward the stairs.
"It's late," he said calmly. "We should get some rest."
The mayor watched him walk away, then rubbed his face with both hands, troubled.
Luna arrived home, her body heavy and her heart even heavier.
Everything felt cold.
"Why did I do that?" she whispered to herself. "I really have some nerve… don't I?"
She sat on the couch, staring into nothing.
After a long silence, exhaustion took over, and she slowly drifted to sleep.
The next morning, Ethan stepped out and made his way to a nearby café.
He sat down, holding a warm cup of coffee, letting the quiet morning settle his thoughts.
As he looked up, he noticed Tiffany walking by.
"Tiffany," he called.
She turned and smiled.
"Have you seen Luna?" he asked.
Tiffany shook her head slightly.
"Not really. She didn't come to school… and she's not one to miss classes," she said gently.
Ethan nodded.
As she began to leave, he spoke again.
"Well… I'm quite bored. Care to join me?"
Tiffany smiled and sat across from him.
The two began talking, their conversation light and easy. Laughter filled the air, soft and warm.
From across the street, Rose noticed them.
Her expression darkened.
"I liked him from the very first moment…" she muttered to herself. "And he rejects me for her?"
Anger filled her chest as she turned away.
She walked toward the river bay, where she found Luna sitting quietly, reading a book.
Rose approached, already irritated.
"What's wrong?" Luna asked calmly.
Rose crossed her arms.
"Well, Ethan is at a café with Tiffany right now," she said. "Did he delay everything… just for her? The wedding… the selection…"
Luna remained calm, though a small ache formed in her chest.
"Why does it bother you who he likes or doesn't like?" she asked softly.
Rose cut her off.
"Because I like him too."
Luna froze.
Silence filled the space between them.
Slowly, she lowered her gaze back to her book, though she wasn't really reading anymore.
A little while later, Ethan and Tiffany arrived at the river bay.
They spotted Rose and Luna sitting together.
Ethan looked at Luna for a moment… but said nothing.
He simply gave a small wave.
"Goodbye, Luna."
She didn't respond.
Rose turned to Tiffany, frustration clear in her voice.
"Were you two on a date?" she asked sharply. "You like him, don't you?"
Tiffany hesitated.
"Well… he's kind," she said. "But I don't know…"
Luna suddenly stood up.
"I have to go," she said quietly. "Bye."
Rose followed shortly after, leaving Tiffany alone.
Tiffany sat by the water, staring up at the sky.
"Do I…?" she whispered, placing a hand over her heart.
Two days passed.
The pressure was building.
Ethan still hadn't chosen a bride.
The town was watching.
The mothers were waiting.
And time was running out.
Ethan finally called Tiffany.
"Can I see you at the Perfar Restaurant?" he asked.
She agreed.
That evening, they sat across from each other at the restaurant.
The atmosphere was calm.
Ethan smiled gently as they talked.
Everything seemed… easy.
Not far away, Luna and Rose arrived to buy food.
As soon as Luna saw Ethan and Tiffany together—
She stopped.
Her chest tightened.
Without a word, she turned and walked out.
Rose, however, walked straight toward them.
"So," she said coldly, "I guess you've made your decision."
Ethan remained silent.
"Where's Luna?" he asked instead.
Rose scoffed.
"She left."
Ethan immediately stood up.
"You chose Tiffany, didn't you?" Rose snapped before turning and walking away angrily.
Tiffany looked at him, confused.
"Ethan… what's going on?"