Chapter 20

20

D enise stepped out of the car, her breath misting in the chilly night air. She reached back in to retrieve the lantern she’d brought for her mother, cradling it gently in her hands. Alyssa appeared at her side, holding two lanterns of her own - one for her friend and another for Denise’s father.

As they made their way into the park, Denise’s eyes widened at the sight before her. The entire area was illuminated by the soft, flickering glow of countless lanterns. They were everywhere - dotting the ground, hanging from the bare branches of the trees, casting a warm, golden light that seemed to dance and sway with each gentle breeze.

It was magical, like something out of a dream. Yet there was a profound sense of peace that seemed to settle over the park, a hushed reverence. Despite the crowd of people gathered, the only sounds were the occasional whisper or muffled footstep.

Denise felt a lump form in her throat as she gazed at the scene, overcome by a swell of emotion. She glanced over at Alyssa, who met her eyes with a soft, understanding look.

Together, they made their way deeper into the park, finding a spot to place their lanterns among the others. As Denise knelt to set hers down, she felt a tiny wave of grief wash over her, an ache that probably would never go away. She straightened up, blinking back tears, and felt Alyssa’s hand slip into hers, their fingers intertwining.

They stood there for a long moment, side by side, gazing out at the sea of glowing lanterns. Each one represented a loved one lost, a cherished memory.

The sea of lanterns blurred as tears welled in Denise’s eyes. Three weeks ago, she’d arrived with a single purpose - sell everything and leave. The memories here had been too painful, too raw. But now...

The warmth of Alyssa’s hand in hers anchored her to this moment, to this place. Alyssa’s thumb traced lazy circles over her skin, and something inside Denise’s chest unfurled, spreading warmth through her body despite the December chill.

She was falling for Alyssa, but the realization didn’t shock her. It felt like acknowledging something she’d known for days. What shocked her was how right it felt.

The question surfaced in her mind: Why leave?