The two disappeared toward the abandoned house, leaving Liam standing where he was.
Tatiana adjusted her bag and prepared to follow.
Then—
"I flew here."
She froze.
Slowly, she turned.
Liam stood there smiling.
"There wasn't any traffic."
Tatiana stared at him.
"…"
"…"
"…That was definitely a lie," Liam added.
Her cheeks colored faintly.
He'd figured it out.
Tatiana hesitated before slowly opening the top of her travel bag just enough for him to peek inside.
Liam leaned slightly closer.
Then he saw them.
Cookies.
Carefully packed.
Protected between layers of cloth and containers so they wouldn't break during transport.
Each one looked delicately crafted.
Made with care.
Made for him.
Liam stared.
Then looked back at her.
"…Seriously?"
Tatiana avoided his gaze.
"You liked them."
"You spent your morning making cookies before potentially leaving Earth?"
"…Maybe."
Liam felt something warm settle inside his chest.
Unbelievable.
