The night air along the Seine carried the faint scent of rain-soaked stone and distant bread ovens, cool enough to raise goosebumps on Andrea’s arms. They walked side by side without touching, the lights of the city reflecting in broken gold ribbons across the dark water.
For the first few minutes neither of them spoke, the echo of Henry’s fist connecting with the stranger’s jaw still hanging between them like smoke.
Andrea broke the silence first. “I used to collect old maps when I was younger, the faded ones you find in thrift stores. I would pin them to my wall and trace the rivers with my finger, imagining I could step inside them and disappear for a while.”
“That's interesting”
“ I don't think so, I never told anyone. Felt too… childish.”
Henry’s thumb stroked her knuckles. “its
