The Art of turning heart

15 |

The following day, the sun cast a gentle, golden light over the gardens as Seraphina and I engaged in a spirited game of tag. Laughter filled the air, mingling with the rustling of leaves and the distant songs of birds.

Seraphina darted across the manicured lawn, her small feet barely touching the ground. Her curls bounced with each step, and her infectious giggles carried through the garden. I pursued her with a carefree abandon, feeling an exhilarating sense of youth and joy.

"Oh, you are not escaping me this time, little miss!" I called out, my voice ringing with playful determination.

Seraphina glanced over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You'll have to catch me first!" she challenged, her laughter a sweet melody.

In those moments, I felt as though I were a child once more, liberated from the constraints of adulthood and lost in the pure delight of the game. I dashed after her, the cool grass beneath my bare feet tickling my toes, and the warm breeze brushing against my face.

She squealed with delight as I drew nearer, her small hands reaching out as if to tag me. Just as I was about to close the distance, she swerved, sending us both into a fit of giggles as we tumbled onto the soft grass.

We lay there, breathless and smiling, the world around us fading into a serene backdrop of blooming flowers and vibrant greenery. The burdens and expectations of adulthood seemed to dissolve in the innocence of our play.

"You are quite fast," I said, catching my breath and glancing at Seraphina, who was still laughing softly beside me.

"And you're very good at chasing," she replied, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

We lay there for a moment longer, savoring the simplicity of the moment. In that idyllic garden, surrounded by nature's beauty and Seraphina's unbridled joy, I felt a profound sense of peace and happiness.

As we lay on the grass, catching our breath from the exhilarating game of tag, a familiar voice broke through the laughter, deep and warm.

"May I join the chase, or have you ladies tired yourselves out already?" Edward's voice carried a teasing note, and I couldn't help but smile as I turned to face him.

"Edward," I greeted him, sitting up with a raised eyebrow. "What brings you here? I did not know you enjoyed such childish pursuits."

He smirked, that infuriatingly charming smile that always seemed to make my heart skip a beat. "Well, I happen to be quite skilled at them, if you must know. But I wouldn't want to ruin your chances of winning."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "As if your presence could make a difference. We were doing just fine without you, thank you very much."

Seraphina, still catching her breath, looked at Edward with wide eyes, a smile playing on her lips. "Can he play with us, Isabella?" she asked, her tone filled with innocent curiosity.

I glanced at Seraphina, then back at Edward, pretending to deliberate. Finally, with a sigh of mock resignation, I said, "Very well, if Seraphina insists. But do try to keep up, Edward. We wouldn't want you getting lost in the garden."

He grinned, taking the challenge in stride. "I shall endeavor to maintain your swift pace, though I make no promises."

We resumed our game, this time with Edward joining our ranks. Laughter echoed through the garden as we dashed between the trees and over the flowerbeds. Seraphina's giggles were infectious, and soon we were all swept up in the joyous abandon of the moment.