Lanterns in the Rain

Chapter Thirty-One: After the Rain

The rain was a distant memory by the time Monday rolled around, the skies now clear and blue, but Rae still felt like she was standing in its soothing embrace. Every detail of the weekend replayed in her mind—the surprise visit, Henry’s words, the unexpected kiss. 

She walked into school with her hood down again, the crisp autumn air brushing her cheeks. For the first time in what felt like forever, the crowded hallways didn’t make her want to retreat. Instead, she found herself scanning the faces, searching for one in particular. 

“Looking for someone?” 

The familiar voice made her turn, and there he was—Henry, leaning casually against a row of lockers, his hands in his pockets and a lopsided grin on his face. 

“Maybe,” she replied, unable to hide the smile that crept across her lips. 

“Well, if it’s me, I’m flattered,” he teased, straightening up and falling into step beside her. 

They walked toward their first class together, the easy rhythm of their steps matching. Rae noticed the way Henry seemed lighter, more relaxed than usual, and she wondered if he felt the same shift she did. 

“Are you free after school?” Henry asked as they stopped at her classroom door. 

“Depends,” she said, tilting her head. “What’s the plan?” 

“Nothing too crazy,” he replied. “I just thought we could go for a walk. Or sit by the lake. Something quiet.” 

She nodded, her heart fluttering at the thought. “I’d like that.” 

The day passed in a blur, and by the time the final bell rang, Rae found herself waiting by the school gate. Henry arrived a few minutes later, his hair slightly tousled and his usual smile firmly in place. 

They walked together in companionable silence, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the ground. Rae felt the warmth of his presence beside her, steady and reassuring, and for the first time in a long time, the noise of the world seemed to fade. 

When they reached the lake, they settled on the grass near the edge, the water shimmering under the fading light. Rae pulled her knees to her chest, her gaze fixed on the rippling surface. 

“It’s peaceful here,” she said softly. 

“It is,” Henry agreed, his voice just as quiet. 

For a while, neither of them spoke. The only sounds were the rustle of the wind through the trees and the gentle lapping of the water. Rae felt a strange sense of calm, like the moment was stretching endlessly, untethered from time. 

“Rae,” Henry said suddenly, breaking the silence. 

She turned to look at him, her hazel eyes meeting his. 

“I meant what I said before,” he continued, his voice steady but soft. “About not wanting to rush you. But I also want you to know... I’m all in. Whatever this is, whatever it becomes—I’m here.” 

Her breath caught at his words, the sincerity in his gaze making her chest ache. She didn’t know how to respond, so instead, she reached out, her hand brushing against his. 

Henry’s fingers laced through hers, his touch warm and grounding. They stayed like that, hand in hand, as the sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the lake with hues of gold and orange. 

For the first time, Rae let herself believe that this—whatever it was—could be real. That maybe, just maybe, she wasn’t lost anymore.