Caleb took Autumn away from the chaos, his hand firm around hers as he guided her through the snowy streets. He didn't speak. Neither did she. The only sound was the crunch of their boots against the snow and the distant hum of the town settling into evening.
Finally, he stopped at a small park tucked away from the main square.
It was almost empty.
A few people scattered here and there, wrapped in their own worlds. A couple on a far bench, locked in an embrace. An elderly man walking his dog. No one was paying them any attention.
Perfect.
Caleb led her to a bench beneath a streetlamp, its soft glow cutting through the gathering darkness. He brushed the snow off the seat quickly, then gently guided her to sit.
Autumn sank down, her shoulders slumping, her hands trembling in her lap.
