Park Day

The sun shone gently, and the air smelled like freshly cut grass as Asher held my hand tightly. His grip was firm, like he was afraid I'd let go. We walked through the park, the sound of our footsteps on the paved path the only noise between us. Zina wasn't here, and her absence was noticeable, but today wasn't about her or me. Today was about Asher.

He needed a break, something to distract him from the heavy cloud hanging over his world since Xaden had shown up again.

Asher kicked a small rock down the path, his head hanging low, his shoulders slumped. It hurt to see him like this—a kid carrying worries too big for someone his age. I stopped walking, crouched down in front of him, and held his small hand firmly.

"Hey, buddy," I said softly. "What do you think about heading to the duck pond? We could race sticks down the water or feed the ducks. What do you think?"