Lanterns in the Rain

Chapter Twenty-Four: Held by the Stream

The next day dawned grey and cool, with rain still drumming softly against the world outside. Rae sat at her desk, a book open in front of her, though she hadn't turned a page in what felt like an hour. Her thoughts were a tangled web, circling back to the same question over and over: Should I go?

The text from Henry had come early, a simple message asking if she'd like to meet at the park in the afternoon. It wasn't pushy, wasn't demanding—just an invitation.

Rae glanced at her phone again, the screen lighting up with Henry's name as she reread his words for what felt like the hundredth time.

Her mum's voice floated up from downstairs, calling her for lunch. Rae hesitated, then grabbed her phone, typing out a quick reply before she could overthink it.

Okay. What time?

The response came almost immediately.

3 o'clock? I'll wait by the fountain.

Rae stared at the screen for a moment, her heart thudding in her chest. She slipped the phone into her pocket, a quiet determination settling over her.

The rain had eased to a gentle mist by the time Rae reached the park. She spotted Henry immediately, standing by the fountain with his hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket. His dark hair was damp, curling slightly at the edges, and when he saw her, his face lit up with a smile that made her breath catch.

"You made it," he said, his voice warm and welcoming.

"Yeah," Rae replied, pulling her hood down as she stepped closer. "I figured I'd give it a shot."

Henry chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm glad you did."

They started walking, the gravel path crunching softly under their feet. The park was quiet, the rain having driven most people away, leaving the world feeling like it belonged to just them.

Rae tucked her hands into her hoodie pockets, stealing a glance at Henry. "So, what's the plan?"

"No plan," Henry said with a shrug. "Just... spending time with you."

The simplicity of his answer made Rae smile, though she quickly looked away, hoping he didn't notice.

They wandered through the park, their conversation weaving between lighthearted topics and quiet moments of shared silence. Rae found herself relaxing, the usual tension in her chest easing as she realized she didn't have to fill every gap with words.

As they reached a small bridge overlooking a stream, Henry stopped, leaning against the railing. Rae joined him, her gaze drifting to the water below.

"Can I ask you something?" Henry said after a moment, his tone careful.

Rae nodded. "Sure."

"What scares you the most about... this?" He gestured vaguely between them, his eyes searching hers.

Rae hesitated, her fingers gripping the edge of the railing. "I guess... letting someone in. Letting you in. It's not easy."

Henry nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I get that. But you've already let me in, Rae. At least a little."

The honesty in his voice made her chest tighten. "Yeah," she admitted. "But sometimes I feel like I'm waiting for it to fall apart. Like I'm waiting for you to leave."

"I'm not going anywhere," Henry said firmly, his voice steady despite the softness of his tone. "I want to be here. With you."

Rae looked at him, her hazel eyes searching his face. She saw no hesitation there, no doubt—just quiet certainty.

"You make it sound so simple," she said, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

"Maybe it is," Henry replied. "Sometimes we overthink things, but the truth is, I care about you, Rae. And I want to be someone you can trust."

The words settled over her like a warm blanket, soothing the parts of her that had always been on edge. Rae looked down at the stream, the water reflecting the faint light of the overcast sky.

"I want to trust you," she said softly.

Henry reached out, his hand brushing against hers. He didn't take it, didn't push—just waited, giving her the space to decide.

After a moment, Rae turned her hand over, letting their fingers intertwine. The warmth of his touch sent a ripple of reassurance through her, grounding her in the moment.

"I'll try," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Henry smiled, his grip on her hand gentle but firm. "That's all I need."

They stood there for a while, the rain misting around them, the world quiet and still. And for the first time in a long time, Rae felt like she wasn't standing alone.