Harper
By the time Luca walked me back toward Moira’s cottage, the night had settled into that peaceful stillness that only seemed to exist deep in the forest.
The sky above us was clear and wide, scattered with stars so bright they almost did not look real. The air smelled faintly of eucalyptus and damp earth, and somewhere in the distance, night insects hummed softly.
Everything felt calm and uncomplicated.
We stopped at the edge of the garden path leading up to the cottage.
“Well,” Luca said, shifting his weight slightly, “I had a really good time tonight.”
I smiled. “So did I,” I replied.
He hesitated for just a moment before adding, “And I am looking forward to your birthday.”
A small warmth spread through my chest. “Me too,” I said. “It actually sounds like it might be fun no
