CHAPTER 4 - Echoes of the Heart

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The bus rattled down the dusty highway, leaving behind the familiar cityscape and propelling Colet into a world of vibrant greens and endless blue skies. Beside her, Maloi hummed along to the rhythm of the engine, a carefree expression on her face. Every glance in Maloi's direction sent a jolt through Colet, a mixture of trepidation and excitement bubbling within her.

Their destination - a secluded village nestled amidst rolling hills, accessible only by a narrow, winding road. Maloi had inherited a sprawling farmhouse from a distant relative, a place she hadn't visited since childhood. It was a fresh start, a chance to escape the constraints of her old life and rewrite the melody of her future.

The farmhouse, though a little worse for wear, held a certain charm. Vines snaked along the weathered wood siding, and wildflowers bloomed in every crevice. Inside, dust motes danced in the afternoon sun that streamed through grimy windows. It was a far cry from the bustling café, yet Colet couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over her.

The first few days were a whirlwind of activity. Cleaning, organizing, and exploring the sprawling property filled their days with a sense of purpose. Maloi, surprisingly adept at carpentry, fixed leaky faucets and creaky floorboards. Colet, with her meticulous nature, scrubbed until the floors gleamed and unearthed forgotten treasures tucked away in dusty corners.

As the sun dipped below the horizon each evening, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, they would sit on the porch swing, a comfortable silence settling between them. The chirping crickets and the distant hoot of an owl provided the soundtrack to their unspoken conversations.

One evening, as they gazed at the star-studded sky, a question tumbled out of Colet's lips. "Why me, Loi? Why did you take me with you?"

Maloi turned to her, a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. "Because, Col... your music spoke to me. It held a depth, a loneliness that mirrored something inside me. Leaving the café, it felt like a chance to start fresh, and maybe, just maybe, you were a part of that new beginning."

Colet's breath caught in her throat. Was Iris implying what she thought she was? The desire to reach out, to bridge the gap between them, was overwhelming. Yet, the fear of rejection held her back.

The following days were charged with a new tension. A stolen glance lingered a beat too long, a brush of hands while passing a plate sent shivers down Colet's spine. The melody in her heart, once a tentative hum, had blossomed into a full-fledged symphony, each note a desperate plea for connection.

One starlit night, while exploring the overgrown backyard, they stumbled upon a hidden clearing. A lone oak tree stood sentinel in the center, its branches reaching towards the heavens. Drawn to its serenity, they sat beneath the tree, the air thick with unspoken desires.

As Colet plucked a melody on her violin, a simple tune that mirrored the emotions swirling within her, Maloi spoke. "That was beautiful, Col. It sounded... hopeful."

Colet met her gaze, her heart pounding a frantic rhythm. "Hopeful for a new beginning?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Maloi leaned closer, the moonlight glinting off her fiery hair. "Maybe," she breathed, her lips a whisper away from Colet's.

The space between them evaporated in a rush. The kiss was hesitant at first, a tentative exploration of uncharted territory. But as it deepened, a sense of belonging washed over Colet. It was a kiss that held the promise of a future yet unwritten, a melody waiting to be composed, a love story waiting to unfold beneath the watchful gaze of the stars.

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