The courtyard was almost empty. Only a few boys were still kicking a ball around, and the rhythmic bouncing echoed through the afternoon.
A teacher was cursing as he struggled with his bicycle lock, the sky tinged orange, cut through by the last rays of the sun.
Lina walked slowly. Each step sounded too loud.
Her heart was beating as if it wanted to tell her something she didn't want to hear.
She knew he would be there.
She just knew it.
And indeed – there he was.
In the shadow of the old wall, half hidden behind a gray power box. Hood pulled low, hands in his pockets, head slightly bowed.
Motionless, as if he had become part of the wall itself.
A gust of wind swept across the asphalt. A leaf sailed by, twirled, fell.
Alaric said nothing as she approached.
He just looked at her.
This silence weighed heavier than any words.
"Why... are you waiting here?" she asked softly.
