The friends walked in heavy silence to the large garden, the recent confrontation hanging between them like a storm cloud. Blaize, seeking solace, chose a perfect spot for them under the sheltering arms of an ancient cherry tree. Its blossoms formed a pink ceiling, and the soft grass was a welcome cushion as they sank down onto the blanket. For a long moment, no one spoke, each lost in the aftermath of the shattered peace.
Then Selene finally broke the silence with a deep, loud sigh.
"I'm so sorry. I always ruin things with my presence," she said, closing her face with her hands.
Blaize's fingers went up immediately. Don't say that, Selene. You did nothing to deserve Dorianna's rudeness.
"It's not your fault," Isolde said with a kind smile, knowing fully well that Blaize was saying something similar.
"Le-le-let's b-be h-ha-ha-ha-p-py," Blaize encouraged, her face brightening up instantly.
The others nodded with giggles and then started to lay out the things on the blanket.
