271 Logandra - When the Night Falls

Logan came back when the children left. Their parents called them and returned to their homes. The park became almost barren. While waiting, Alex chatted with the old woman and learned how to knit. There wasn't much for her to do…

… since it was a public place, Logan had seen her try it out.

Knitting wasn't that easy to learn.

Alex became fully engrossed in it. The old woman had spare needles for her to use. Together, they went through the basics and chose a pattern—one for beginners.

Logan joined them. "Are you making me a hat?"

"Can't you pretend not to notice?" Alex whined, rolling her eyes. Last minute gifts were hard. She also preferred to make something. Unfortunately, she had limited resources.

He sat by her side and chuckled. "I bet I can knit faster than you."

"A likely story," she scoffed.

Logan leaned forward, craning his neck to look at the old woman. "Hey, granny. Is it possible for me to join this class?"

"Sure!" The old woman cheered. Her gray and white hair was tied up in a bun. Blue dress covered her body down to her ankles. A wool scarf was wrapped around her neck.

She handed Logan another set of needles and a ball of yarn, moving to a closer spot. When he settled in, she taught him the ones Alex already knew. The latter continued with her conquest.

Alex refused to lose. She had the head start. She would win this. Her yarn had a gray color with blue undertones. The old woman said it was the closest match to her eyes. They had picked a simple beanie.

The time to finish depended on several factors.

She persisted with it because she had no better option. Her hands itched to do something. Her body wouldn't stay still. She took her chances and grabbed the needles.

She had to outshine Logan somehow.

"Wow, this is really easy," he commented. His emerald eyes shined at his progress. "Granny, you're an amazing teacher. I shall forever hold you at the highest regard."

The old woman laughed and hit his shoulder. "Such flattery. My, you remind me of my husband."

"He must be really a handsome guy."

Alex snorted, muttering to herself, "Not as handsome as me then."

Logan glared in her direction. He didn't need that reminder, especially when she became a girl again. He shifted his attention back to the old woman. "Is she making a beanie?"

"Why yes!" She gushed, nodding in confirmation. Her hands clapped together. "It was supposed to be a surprise for you!"

"Granny!" Alex accused her with wide eyes. Logan may have joined them but her beanie could still belong to someone else! It also could be just for her.

"Oh, my bad." The old woman gasped, covering her mouth. Guilt filled her eyes. They drooped at the corners. "I thought the surprise was over since he joined us."

Alex's heart melted. It was an honest mistake. She knew it. It wouldn't do any good to be upset. The old woman only had good intentions. "It's okay, granny. He would have found out sooner or later."

"Don't worry, Alex," Logan interrupted, "I will still act surprised."

She rolled her eyes, raising the needles and preparing to continue. "Har-har. At least, you can witness how much effort I put into—Ow!"

A hand yanked at her pricked finger.

"Are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?"

Logan assessed the wound. Unlike normal needles, knitting ones had a wider point. They were also rounder than pointed. It baffled him that she managed to inflict a wound. A drop of blood oozed to the

Alex opened her mouth.

"Hey! What are you—" she began to say, "Don't lick it!"

She pulled her hand back but Logan wouldn't let it go.

"It's to disinfect it!" He defended.

"Your mouth probably has more bacteria!" Alex yelled, making another attempt. Logan was much stronger. She needed to use more force. She summoned strength from other parts of her body.

For one, she kicked the ground and used the momentum for a hard pull.

It didn't go well.

Her bottom slipped off the bench and landed on the ground. Because Logan held her wrist, he also stumbled over. They hit the yarns and needles on their way. The items followed them to the ground.

Only the old woman laughed. "The two of you are such great joy."

Someone called her name from a distance. "I'll give those yarns and needles as your presents. We need to be going now. Hope you enjoy the rest of your date!"

Without a second glance, she stood up and spun on her heel. Her feet headed for the vehicle. A happy smile painted on her face. The two teenagers reminded her so much of young love. She hoped they stayed energetic for a long time.

No matter what obstacles they'd face.

Logan got up first and stretched out his hand. "Are you hurt?"

Alex accepted the offer, rising to her feet. She dusted off the dirt from her pants. "I'm fine. I do feel bad for taking granny's yarn and needles. She didn't have to do that."

He chuckled and gathered the items. "Come on, let's get to knitting! You never know. Maybe this would become our favorite activity to do together."

"I highly doubt that but let's do it."

The two of them moved back to their picnic spot. Since the old woman left, they only had each other to rely on. Well, maybe the internet also helped them for a bit.

Over time, the sky began to dim. The sun descended in the horizon. Stars slowly peeked out. The moon also gently made its appearance. Their light pierced through the warm hues of a sunset.

Under an oak tree, two teenagers were in deep concentration. Large needles laced in and out of threads. The shape of a half beanie dangled in between their hands. One was larger than the other. As they continued, the sun almost completed its descent.

Alex put the needles down. "Maybe we should continue another time. It's practically dark."

"You need lights?" Logan asked, not looking up.

"We need lights," she corrected him. "Phone flashlights won't be much help."

Even if it provided some lumination, it wouldn't be good for their eyes. The park became completely empty. No one used the playground equipment. The quiet engulfed them as more stars came out to accompany them.

Alex felt more relaxed.

She had always preferred the night.

Logan suddenly snorted. "Your problem is such an easy fix."

"Excuse me?" She raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to explain.

Instead of that, Logan got up and walked away. His legs went around the tree, vanishing from her sight. She only heard the ruffle of leaves. The sound of it only deepened her scowl.

What could he be doing?

The answer came not a second letter.

She covered her mouth as she gaped.

Fairy lights lit up around the tree. They twirled around the branches. They coiled so tight that it was hard to notice them during the day. At this time though, nothing hindered their presence. Their glow managed to engulf the entire blanket.

It was such a beautiful sight.

"Was this also part of your plan?" Alex asked, blinking. She stepped closer and gazed up. If she ignored the season, she could almost believe the holidays were here.

"Not really." Logan chuckled. He emerged from his hiding place with his hands behind his back. "They always do this for winter. Although right now, only this tree has lights. The one who wrapped the twinkle lights did a really good job. The rest found it hard to remove so they left it alone."

He took a deep breath and bowed his head. His feet kicked at the ground. "This was my mother's favorite spot. We would always stay until late just to turn on this tree. I know she's no longer around but she is still someone very important to me."

Alex pressed her lips together. She couldn't tell where this was going.

Walking towards her, Logan met her eyes. He lifted his hands and cupped her face. "I took you here because I also want you to know how important you are to me. After this past week… when I saw you in that parking lot… I realized just how much I missed you. If it was possible, I wouldn't have let you go."

"Logan…" she whispered, using one hand to touch his. His gaze held a new meaning. Under these lights, something else shined in them. It was the same one from the janitor's closet, only more intense.

"I have something for you. Turn around."

Absentmindedly, Alex did as she was told. Something cold touched her neck. It was followed by a weight that pressed against the jacket. She placed a hand over her chest and searched for the source.

Her eyes landed on a locket. It had a dark golden color and an oval shape. Nothing in its design stood out. Its surface was simply smooth.

She opened it.

The lid broke away.

A voice spoke near her ear.

"This was my mother's."