Everything around you turned orange. The wind moving your hair, the birds singing. The feeling of your fingers brushing your horse's smooth mane as you leaned forward to look at remnants of small yellow flowers abandoned on the neglected green grass. Your eyes looked up at the sky. Your mind clouded and soft laughter rang in your ears. When you looked in the direction of the noise, you noticed how Shimmer was carrying Ellie and her friend, who was behind her as she hugged her for balance. Her fingers caressed her unfinished tattoo and a tender smile caressed her lips as if they were made of sugar. And Ellie smiled sheepishly, looking around.

Ellie: "uh... thanks."

She murmured, scratching her eyebrow with her free fingers as she continued riding into the sunset. Joel, next to you, pulled the reins gently and placed a hand on your shoulder, warming you with his husky voice.

Joel: Are you okay, babygirl?

He looked down at you and his fingers caressed you softly, with his chocolate brown eyes and the signs of old age on his skin. You nodded slowly, with a forced smile and with the horse you went forward, telling him not to worry. However, Ellie, in front of you, turned her gaze towards you when you were struggling to ride your horse which seemed tired. Your cheeks turned red and a strange feeling of embarrassment and inner emptiness pervaded you just at the thought that Ellie could see that girl with the same eyes you looked at her with. Her beauty was captivating and you were sure that Ellie had noticed it too. Slowly, she leaned forward to grab the strap of your horse, making him walk towards Shimmer, so that she could have you next to her and check firsthand that everything was okay. Her voice entered your heart. Her words caressed you the same way her fingers would. And slowly, you abandoned yourself to the idea of ​​having her so close to you. To your heart. Your mind. Your soul. Then, with a slightly shy half-smile, she looked in your direction, saying:

Ellie: You're very quiet today.