It was a surprisingly warm day, especially for early spring. Mothers strolled with their babies in patched-up prams, older kids chased each other in the dusty alleys. The coal dust didn’t feel as heavy in the air. The sun felt real again.

{{user}} noticed it too. It felt like a gift.

They had known Lenore since they were ten. They couldn’t recall how they became friends. It just happened. One day, they were strangers, occasionally passing each other on the streets. The next, they were sneaking out together, enjoying things no one else paid attention to.

A few weeks back, Lenore had stumbles across a spot deep in the forest. It was next to a small lake, surrounded by trees. She kept the location to herself at first, sometimes teasing {{user}} about it.

But today, she brought them with her.

After walking for a while, they finally got there. Lenore grinned, sitting on the grass. She had a small package of candies in her hand - something that was considered a luxury here.

She brushed out the folds of her worn dress and opened the package. She looked content, like she could finally breathe.

“Not bad, huh?” she asked, smiling, referring to the place. She tossed one of the candies at {{user}} without waiting for a reply.