The plane touched down in the late afternoon.
Leo pressed his face to the window as they descended, watching the city emerge from the clouds a sprawling tapestry of grey and green, rooftops and rivers, bridges arching over water like promises.
He'd never been anywhere like this.
Never been anywhere at all, really. Just his city. Just the apartment. Just the small world he'd built for himself.
Alex's hand found his.
"Look," Alex said, pointing. "The Thames."
Leo followed his gaze. The river was a ribbon of silver, winding through the city, catching the last of the afternoon light.
"It's beautiful," Leo said.
Alex smiled. "Wait until you see it up close."
The car was waiting at the airport.
Black. Polished. The kind of car that made Leo feel like he was in a movie. The driver opened the door for them, and Leo slid into the leather seat, his fingers tracing the stitching.
"Fancy," Leo said.
Alex laughed. "You get used to it."
"I don't think I ever will."
