Mari and Jax walked down the quiet street hand in hand while Mari chattered endlessly about anything and everything, and Jax listened with an amused smile, contributing when his opinion was needed.
The night air was cool and streetlights cast soft yellow circles on the pavement.
Cars moved slowly down the road and laughter drifted from a nearby lounge.
As they walked past a row of small boutiques, a tall woman stepped out of one with shopping bags, walking in their direction.
She wore a simple black dress and heels. Her hair was dark and straight, her makeup soft and glowing.
Mari slowed down as the woman passed, and she smiled warmly at her. "Excuse me," she called, making Jax to wonder why she was stopping the stranger.
The woman paused. "Yes?"
"You look absolutely stunning," Mari said, giving her a thumbs up.
The woman blinked, then smiled wide. "Oh! Thank you so much." The woman laughed shyly. "You just made my night."
Jax watched the exchange quietly.
