Night came gently, wrapping the town in a hush that felt almost reverent. Shop lights flickered on one by one, warm and golden behind frosted glass. The breeze had cooled, carrying the faint scent of lavender from a nearby flower stall. Zephany tucked her hands into the sleeves of her coat, watching a family across the plaza take turns posing with a bronze statue shaped like an old conductor.
Kendrick sat beside her, still leaned back on the bench, one arm loosely draped over the backrest. His eyes followed the lanterns beginning to glow along the pathways. "This place feels like a film set," he said softly.
Zephany glanced sideways. "A rom-com set, or a post-apocalyptic one?"
He smirked. "Both."
