Fifty Shades Of Ugly
The soft light highlighted the fatigue etched on his face, deepening the shadows under his eyes.
The night air, crisp and cool, carried the sweet scent of blooming lilacs from the nearby bushes. Crickets continued their gentle serenade, but the sound was now accompanied by the distant hum of a lone car driving through the sleepy town.
Chelsea's eyes, red-rimmed from crying, lifted to meet Arc's. His usual bright smile was replaced by a tremulous, apologetic curve of his lips. His voice barely above a whisper, he said, "I'm sorry, Arc. I didn't know where else to go."