The sun peeked through heavy clouds, casting weak shadows across their path. Neither spoke.

Above them, holiday lights blinked against the grey sky… cheerful glow unable to warm the chill that had settled between them.

In the distance, a car horn honked… a cab cutting through traffic, someone’s small emergency… and the street reassembled around them. Crosswalk signal. Wet pavement. Sophia’s hand brushed her sleeve, turning them forward. Gentle hands… their wrath all the more wicked… Cracks in walls she hadn’t known she’d built… lessons one could only teach themself…