But she didn't want to open her eyes, afraid that once she did, everything would disappear.
After a long time, or perhaps just a moment, the warmth left.
She opened her eyes. He stood in front of her, looking at her with a gaze so calm it was comforting.
"Let's go back," he said. "It's getting windy."
Flora nodded, turned around, and walked alongside him towards the main house of the estate.
After a few steps, she suddenly stopped.
He also stopped, turning his head to look at her.
Flora stood there, head bowed, looking at the hem of her skirt, which was stained with grass clippings and dirt, along with a few yellowed leaves.
"Arthur," she softly called his name.
"Mm."
She was silent for a moment, then looked up at him. "Did you really come?"
Arthur looked at her, at those eyes that still carried traces of tears, yet began to shine.
"I did."
She smiled.
The smile was gentle, light, still touched by traces of tears.
