The sun had long disappeared beyond the horizon.
Night had quietly taken its place.
Thousands of city lights glittered beneath the dark sky like a sea of stars.
---
Neither Riley nor Stephanie had realized how much time had passed.
What was supposed to be a lunch outing had somehow become an entire afternoon.
Then an evening.
Then almost a full day together.
They had walked through the gardens.
Talked beneath the ocean overlook.
Shared stories that could bring a tear.
Shared laughter.
Shared moments neither wanted to end.
And now...
Riley's SUV moved steadily through the city streets.
Taking Stephanie home.
---
For once...
Neither seemed eager for the journey to end.
Stephanie sat comfortably in the passenger seat.
A small smile still lingering on her face.
Her fingers occasionally brushed against the gift shop bracelet Riley had unexpectedly gave her before they left the gardens.
It wasn't expensive.
It wasn't flashy.
But she loved it.
Beside her...
