The park was quiet.
Trees lined the paths. Flowers bloomed in beds. A fountain bubbled in the center.
They sat on a bench. Watched the water. Watched the people.
A mother pushed a stroller. Two old men played chess. A young couple kissed under a tree.
Lilith leaned against Noah's shoulder.
He did not move away.
She closed her eyes. Felt the sun on her face. The warmth of him beside her.
This. This was enough.
---
The afternoon brought them to the river.
Boats drifted on the water. Fishermen cast their lines. Children skipped stones.
Noah found a flat rock. Turned it in his hand. Then sent it skipping across the surface.
One. Two. Three. Four. Five skips.
Lilith raised an eyebrow.
He shrugged. Almost a smile.
She found her own rock. Tried. Two skips.
She frowned.
He found another rock. Placed it in her hand. Adjusted her grip. Showed her the angle.
She tried again. Four skips.
She looked at him. Eyes bright.
He nodded. Just once.
