Silverthorne Lake
228 Words
The first time I saw Rowan Mercer, he was standing in the rain.
Not moving.
Not speaking.
Just staring at Silverthorne Lake like it had done something unforgivable.
Everyone else avoided him.
I could tell.
They walked around him.
Not past him.
Around him.
Like he was dangerous.
Or cursed.
Or both.
I didn’t know who he was yet.
I only knew he looked broken.
And I understood broken.
Rain soaked through my jacket as I stepped onto the old wooden dock.
The lake stretched out forever, dark and endless.
“You shouldn’t stand that close.”
His voice startled me.
Low.
Rough.
I turned.
Up close, he looked worse.
Tired.
Empty.
Like he hadn’t slept in years.
“Why?” I asked.
His jaw tightened.
“The lake doesn’t give people back.”
Something in my chest twisted.
I didn’t know why.
But I believed him.
He looked at me.
Really looked at me.
“You’re new.”
It wasn’t a question.
“Yeah.”
Silence stretched between us.
Heavy.
Uncomfortable.
“What’s your name?” I asked.
He hesitated.
Like it hurt to answer.
“Rowan.”
The way he said it sounded like a confession.
“I’m Elara.”
He nodded once.
Then he turned and walked away.
Just like that.
Leaving me alone with the lake.
And the feeling that something had just begun.
- Writer
