The creek looked the same as it always did when they arrived. The water ran clear and bright over the smooth stones that lined the bottom. The turtle rock sat in its usual spot, solid and waiting like an old friend. But even though everything looked the same, today felt completely different.
Aria walked down the familiar path with Liora on her left side, close enough that their arms occasionally brushed. Kaelan walked on her right, his presence steady and quiet. Elara followed a few steps behind them, not quite part of the group yet but not completely separate either. It was like she was testing the waters, seeing if she really belonged here.
No one said much at first. The only sound was their feet crunching softly on the dirt path and the distant murmur of the creek getting closer. The silence wasn't exactly uncomfortable, but it wasn't completely easy either. It was the kind of quiet that comes when people are still figuring each other out.
