𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐋 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃

38

Song:
snow on the beach- taylor swift ft. lana del rey (more lana)
slowed + reverb

LEENA

"So, wait a minute-you're telling me you and Lilith might actually end up becoming step-siblings? That's incredible!" I exclaim into the phone, my voice practically vibrating with excitement and awe.

Angel had just finished recounting his evening at Lilith's house, sharing every little detail about the dinner-how they played cards, the food her mother had prepared, and most notably, the way his father seemed genuinely happy.

He described how his dad had been smiling more, his laugh sounding freer, and how it had all tied back to this newfound connection with Lilith's mom.

I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if their families merged into one. The thought of Angel and Lilith suddenly becoming siblings felt surreal but oddly fitting.

He lets out a soft chuckle, the sound warm and familiar in my ear. "I don't know about that yet. They're just talking for now. I don't think it's anything serious," he says, his voice carrying a hint of amusement mixed with uncertainty.

The words feel casual, but there's a note of something unspoken beneath them, as if he's trying not to get too ahead of himself. Before I can respond, a yawn slips from his lips on the other end of the line, muffled but unmistakable.

I picture him rubbing his eyes, exhaustion tugging at his features, and a fond smile naturally finds its way to my face.

The simple, quiet intimacy of sharing a moment like this with him fills my chest with warmth, a sense of connection that makes my heart feel lighter.

"Would you want to be her step brother?" I find myself asking, and it goes quiet for a few seconds.

"Of course, I'd love that," he whispers softly, his voice carrying a note of quiet longing. "But I don't want to get my hopes up." His words linger in the air, fragile and full of cautious emotion, and my heart squeezes at the weight behind them.

I can picture the small, wistful smile that's likely tugging at his lips as he speaks, but there's also a hint of guardedness, as if he's afraid to fully embrace the idea. I frown, understanding where he's coming from, but it doesn't stop the ache that builds in my chest.

I know what he means-how delicate and unpredictable relationships can be. Sure, what his dad and Lilith's mom had could be temporary, but couldn't it also be something lasting?

Sometimes hope was all we had to cling to, and maybe, just maybe, wishful thinking could lead to something real.

"Anything can happen, Angel," I say softly, my voice carrying a sense of quiet optimism. He hums in response, the sound low and thoughtful, as if he's turning my words over in his mind, considering the possibility they hold.

A comfortable silence falls between us, and I shift onto my side, letting my body sink into the mattress.

The warmth of my blankets surrounds me as I place my phone onto the soft fabric of the sheets, my hand brushing against the edge of the pillow. I close my eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of the conversation settle in my chest.

Hope was a fragile thing, easily lost but just as easily rekindled. The truth was, life was unpredictable, full of twists and turns that none of us could fully anticipate. People came into our lives and changed them in ways we never expected, and sometimes, those changes were exactly what we needed.

"Sometimes," I add, my voice barely above a whisper as if speaking my thoughts aloud might give them more strength, "things happen when we least expect them. And maybe... maybe this is one of those times."