Echoes of Time

Chapter 4 - Feelings exposed

The morning sunlight streamed through Adeline's bedroom window, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. She blinked awake, her mind still hazy from the night's strange dream, but the heavy feeling of confusion lingered. Adeline sighed and pushed herself out of bed, already anticipating the comfort of her morning routine.

After dressing in her usual comfortable jeans and a loose shirt, she padded into the kitchen, where her grandmother, Keira, was already at the stove, stirring a pot of oatmeal.

"Good morning, love," Keira said, turning with a warm smile. "You slept a little longer today."

Adeline nodded, sitting at the table and absentmindedly scratching Oreo behind the ears as he curled up at her feet. "Yeah, I didn't sleep well last night. That dream... it was so vivid."

Keira placed a bowl of oatmeal in front of her, a small pat of butter melting into the grains. "Dreams can be powerful things, Adeline. But remember, they're just dreams."

Adeline stirred the oatmeal, not sure if she agreed. Something about last night's dream still clung to her, like an unfinished story. She forced herself to eat, trying to shake the unsettling feeling gnawing at her.

After breakfast, Adeline decided a walk by the beach would help clear her mind. It was her favorite part of the day—feeling the sea breeze on her skin, the steady rhythm of the waves, the endless horizon stretching out in front of her. There was something about the beach that grounded her, made her feel at peace, even when her thoughts were spinning.

With Oreo trotting happily beside her, they made their way down the familiar path that led to the shoreline. The ocean glistened in the sunlight, its surface calm but alive with subtle movement. Adeline inhaled deeply, the salty air filling her lungs and easing the tension that had built up overnight.

But as she walked, she noticed something—or rather, someone—out of place.

There, near the water's edge, stood Keith.

Adeline's breath caught in her throat. He was standing with his back to her, his tall, lean figure stark against the backdrop of the ocean. The hourglass was in his hand again, its surface shimmering in the sunlight. The sight of him, so close to the water, sent a strange jolt through her, like a memory she couldn't quite grasp. The water is dangerous...

She shook her head, forcing the old man's words out of her mind. This was her chance—her opportunity to try again, to talk to him, to understand him.

With determination in her step, Adeline made her way toward him, her heart pounding faster with each stride. Oreo, sensing her hesitation, gave her a questioning look but followed loyally at her side.

As she approached, Keith turned slightly, just enough to see her coming. His expression shifted from surprise to something darker, more guarded. His eyes, usually cold and distant, flickered with something else—fear, maybe, or irritation.

"Keith!" Adeline called, trying to sound casual despite the anxiety twisting in her stomach. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."

He didn't respond immediately. Instead, he clenched his jaw and turned fully toward her, the hourglass still tightly in his grasp. His presence was imposing, but Adeline didn't let it deter her. She wouldn't give up this time. She wouldn't run away.

"You again," Keith said, his voice low and rough. "Didn't I make it clear that I don't want anything to do with you?"

Adeline flinched at his words, but she stood her ground. "I just wanted to talk. I think we got off on the wrong foot yesterday."