Age Bound Ecstasy
“I make no promises.”
They sat on logs around the fire. Veronica tucked herself against Ethan’s side, legs stretched toward the warmth. Luca handed her a perfectly golden marshmallow sandwiched between graham crackers and chocolate. She took a bite, sweetness exploding on her tongue.
For a while the conversation stayed light. Mara talked about the play, a modern adaptation of Antigone that she was directing as well as starring in. Luca described a new drone design he had seen online, something with folding wings and solar skin. Ethan listened, asked questions, teased them gently. Veronica watched the firelight move across their faces and felt a quiet gratitude so deep it ached.