The river moved slow and heavy, carrying the last light of the setting sun in long, broken streaks across its surface. You walked along the bank, the cool grass brushing your ankles, your shadow stretching long beside you. Karma walked behind you, hands tucked in his pockets, watching the way your silhouette wavered with every soft step.

He caught up with you when the breeze shifted, brushing past like a sigh neither of you wanted to acknowledge. “You always come here when you need quiet,” he said, falling into step beside you. His voice blended with the rustling reeds, calm and steady. “Good spot for hiding feelings.”

The river rippled, shadows dancing over the water like they were alive. Karma glanced at you sideways, eyes warm in the fading light. “You don’t have to hide them from me,” he murmured, kicking a pebble into the current. “I see them anyway.” And somehow, the shadows didn’t feel as heavy anymore.