The sky was painted in soft shades of orange and fading gold as Emily and Brian stepped out of the restaurant together. Evening had settled gently, the kind that slowed footsteps and softened voices. The air was cool, carrying the quiet promise of night, and for a moment Emily forgot the weight she had been carrying all day.
They walked side by side toward Brian’s car, their pace unhurried. Neither of them spoke at first. There was something tender in the silence, something that did not need words. Brian glanced at her occasionally, as if memorizing the way the sunset reflected against her face.
“Thank you for today,” Emily said softly, breaking the quiet. “I didn’t realize how much I needed it.”
Brian smiled. “I’m glad you came. You looked lighter, even if just for a while.”
When they
