Lanterns in the Rain

Chapter Twenty: Trust In The Light

The walk back to Rae's neighborhood was quiet, the crisp evening air filled only with the distant hum of cars and the occasional rustle of leaves. The lanterns lining the streets cast long shadows, their golden light pooling on the damp pavement.

Rae and Henry walked side by side, their pace unhurried. Rae kept her hands in her hoodie pockets, but every so often, her shoulder brushed Henry's, and each touch sent a flutter of nervous energy through her.

"You didn't have to walk me home, you know," Rae said, glancing at him.

Henry shrugged, his smile easy. "I wanted to. Besides, it's nice out tonight."

She couldn't argue with that. The air was crisp but not bitter, and the lanterns overhead gave the world an almost magical quality.

They turned a corner, the familiar row of houses on Rae's street coming into view. She hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "I've been meaning to ask you something."

Henry looked at her, his expression open and curious. "What is it?"

Rae hesitated again, her words caught somewhere between her thoughts and her lips. "Why me?" she asked finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Henry stopped walking, turning to face her fully. His dark eyes searched hers, and Rae felt the familiar tug of vulnerability that came with being truly seen.

"What do you mean?" he asked gently.

"I mean..." Rae gestured vaguely, her cheeks flushing. "I'm not exactly the easiest person to be around. I don't talk much. I keep to myself. So why do you—why are you always here?"

Henry was quiet for a moment, his gaze steady and thoughtful. "Because I want to be," he said finally. "Because you're worth it."

Rae's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't expected an answer like that—so simple, so sincere.

"You don't have to have all the answers, Rae," Henry continued. "You don't have to be anything other than who you are. I'm here because I want to be, not because I'm expecting something in return."

Rae looked down at the ground, her chest tight with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite name. "It's just... hard sometimes," she admitted. "Letting someone in."

"I know," Henry said softly. "But you're doing it, little by little. That's what matters."

She glanced up at him, and for the first time, she felt a spark of hope—fragile but real. "Thanks," she said quietly.

Henry smiled, the kind of smile that made her feel like the world was just a little less heavy. "Anytime."

They reached her house, the porch light glowing softly in the dark. Rae turned to him, her hands still tucked into her pockets.

"Well, this is me," she said awkwardly, not quite ready to say goodbye.

"Yeah," Henry said, his smile lingering. "I guess I'll see you on Monday?"

Rae nodded, her lips curving into a small smile of her own. "Yeah. Monday."

As she turned to head inside, Henry's voice stopped her.

"Rae?"

She looked back at him, her heart skipping a beat.

"For what it's worth," he said, his tone warm and steady, "I think you're doing great."

Rae felt her cheeks flush, but she didn't look away. "Goodnight, Henry."

"Goodnight," he replied, his smile soft as he stepped back into the lantern-lit street.

As Rae closed the door behind her, she leaned against it for a moment, her thoughts swirling. There was something about Henry—something steady and sure, like the lanterns that lit the way even on the darkest nights.

And for the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, she could trust in that light.