under the twilight sky

New beginnings

Emma sat by the window, her eyes tracing the amber hues of the trees swaying outside. Was it really fall already? The air carried a crispness that tugged at her memories, as the autumn browns and golds stretched endlessly across the horizon, a tapestry of copper and fire.

It had been two months since she'd arrived at this quiet little hospital on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The town, with its rivers weaving through the landscape like silver threads, seemed pulled from the pages of a storybook. Picturesque, peaceful—everything she'd thought she'd wanted. Yet, the silence often felt heavier than the breeze, wrapping itself around her as she gazed out, wondering if she was more settled in the town, or simply lost within its stillness.

Emma's gaze drifted to her trembling hands, their once smooth skin now pale and marred by scars from countless IVs and needles. She sighed, the weight of loneliness pressing on her chest as her eyes welled up. She missed home, missed her mom.

A sudden loud crash yanked her from her thoughts. A maintenance worker had slipped over a wet mop outside her door.

The boy who had fallen couldn't have been much older than her. His wavy golden hair shimmered in the morning sunlight, and the most striking hazel eyes met hers. They were framed by honey-toned skin that seemed to glow under the daylight. Emma's heart skipped a beat, the sensation startling her as she instinctively clutched her chest, half-convinced he could hear the rapid thudding of her heart.

The boy scrambled to his feet, nearly slipping again as he fumbled with the mop. Emma couldn't help it—laughter bubbled up from her, filling the quiet room as she watched his awkward recovery.

The boy shot her a glare, his hazel eyes now narrowing in irritation.

"I think you missed a spot, mister," Emma teased, her voice playful as her eyes sparkled with amusement.

The boy's cheeks flushed, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance painting his expression. He muttered something under his breath and quickly composed himself, grabbing the mop with more control this time. Emma's laughter still echoed in his ears, and he gave her another sharp glance as he continued wiping the floor.

"Glad I could entertain you," he said with a huff, his voice surprisingly deep for someone so youthful.

Emma grinned, leaning forward slightly, the IV tugging lightly on her wrist. "Don't take it so hard. I'm just glad someone else is struggling more than me today."

The boy paused, finally looking at her properly, his expression softening. "Rough morning?"

"Emma's voice trembled as she whispered, "Every morning is..." Her eyes were heavy with sadness, making it hard for her to finish.

The boy shifted uncomfortably, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "Cancer... It's tough, isn't it?" His words hung in the quiet room.His gaze found hers,his eyes now filled with pitty,Emma hated it,every minute of it,her heart tugged with saddness,but she quickly recovered.
desperate to lift the mood, she forced a bright smile. "Oh, come on! Let's not be so gloomy. What's your name?" she exclaimed her voice lighter.

His eyes squinted slightly, offering a shy smile that made her heart race.

"Jake. Jake Summer."