Heat and Cold
The cold wind blew across the open ground, making the tall grass rustle.
I walked slowly toward the giant oak tree, telling myself that if Owen was already there, I would just turn around and leave. But when I reached the thick trunk, the shadow underneath was empty. No one was sitting in the grass. No one was waiting.
I let out a shaky breath, feeling a mix of relief and a strange, quiet sting in my chest.
I sat down at the base of the trunk, pulling my knees up against my chest and wrapping my arms around them. I leaned my back against the rough, dark wood, trying to focus on the cold air and the rustling leaves above me.