Chapter 2 : "Chance Encounter by the Lake" - After the Water's Calm

One day, in the silent hours before dawn, Emily slipped out of her grandparents' house , dawn to the solitary comfort of Som's lake shore - her favourite place walking alone by the lake, drawing in the sand - a heart with names (her parents'),she felt like someone is approaching her so when she looked up to see a boy about her age with tears brimming in his eyes. Their eyes lock - tears and understanding exchanged silently. He simply said "Hi" with a soft tone,followed by sitting beside her. Simple yet profound - he sits, and silence becomes comfortable. "You look sad..."- observing his pain openly she asked. A gentle observation - he feels seen. "You look sad too..." - reflecting her observation back. A nod and a gentle question - her heart opens up. "My parents...they died two and half months ago" - Tears stream down her face - he gently wraps his arms around her.

They hold each other, lake water lapping softly, as they share complete silence and hearts beating one. Minutes pass, tears dry slowly, and she leans back to gaze at him.

Their eyes lock, and he whispers: "Want to walk with me?". A gentle invitation - she nods softly. Conversation flows easily - they discover shared interests. They stroll along the lake's edge, sunset unfolding behind them and laughter echoes across the lake. His eyes lock into hers - affection. He asks silently with his gaze... "Your smile..."- His voice trails off mesmerized by her smile. Then, he asks with a grin: "Walk you home?"- They stroll through roads, comfortable silence between them.

Upon reaching her door, he turns gently to face her and softly whispers to her "I'm really glad I met you...". Sincere whisper - her heart swells with affection.

She smiles softly, whispering back:"Me to..." - eyes locked on him. He smiles and turns to leave, but pauses - turns back for one last glance...

She's still standing there, smiling - he mouths:"Sleep tight"- sweet goodbye this word lingers in her heart.

She watches him disappear into the evening glow, feeling dreamy. The door closes softly behind her - she leans against it, smiling...

Just then, her grandma appeared and curiosity etched on her (grandmother's) face. "Emily, why the smile?", eyeing her granddaughter's radiant expression.

Emily's instinct is to hide the thing about meeting with a boy beside the lake, so she pushes off the door, and says: I have encountered something funny, attempting a casual tone to deflect further questioning and Grandma also didn't thought much as it is already going to be dinner time and his grandfather will be home soon, then only Emily breathes internally - crises averted, the boy remains her secret... for now. Emily starts setting the dinner table to avoid any suspicioun. As she places the last fork, Emily's gaze wanders out the window, seeing grandpa is coming. So, she told grandma that grandpa is home. Grandma goes to help grandpa meanwhile alone she (Emily) recalls his (the boy's) bright smile, warm eyes, and effortless conversation by carrying all dishes to the table. Grandparents enters, during dinner Emily behaved normally so that her no one suspect anything about her. After dinner she went to her room, lay in bed, and thought of the boy but then she wanted to brush away the memories of the boy by telling herself it was just a friendly conversation and nothing more as whenever she hopes for anything it goes to vain.

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