Deniz's face now glows with a bright smile, and the sight of it sends a wave of relief through my chest so powerful I feel lightheaded, almost dizzy with it.
The shadows that haunted his expression moments ago—the distant look that made my heart clench—have lifted completely, replaced by something bright and alive.
A soft smile touches my lips, mirroring his, reflecting his joy back at him like sunlight off still water.
The street stretches before us, quiet and still. Streetlights cast warm pools of gold onto the pavement, and the cool night air wraps around us softly.
Deniz's steps are hurried now, eager, almost boyish. His hand grips mine with an excitement I haven't seen in him before—a lightness, a freedom, as if he's shed some invisible weight.
He's leading me somewhere. I don't know where—and I don't ask.
I just follow him. I would follow him anywhere.
He glances back at me, his face full of boyish enthusiasm, eyes sparkling with something I can't name.
