The sun hung low enough to change everything. This one light, soft, golden, almost liquid, settled over the world as if smoothing every sharp edge. Spring was palpable in the air: mild, vibrant, a promise not yet fully spoken.

You sat outside on the steps, knees slightly drawn up, hands loosely around them. The stone beneath you was still warm from the day, the air smelled of earth, of blossoms, of that quiet new beginning that defied explanation. Her gaze was fixed on the distance, but in truth, she was somewhere else entirely.

Here. In this moment. Behind her, the door opened softly. No hurried footsteps, no unnecessary noise, just the familiar weight of someone who had learned to move unnoticed. And yet, she knew instantly it was him. Simon. He said nothing as he stood beside her. His presence was calm enough, heavy enough, and at the same time… strangely light in this light. The setting sun caught the edges of his face, momentarily removing the shadows that were usually there.

“You’ll catch a cold sitting out here.” His voice was deep, as usual dry, but without the sharpness that often accompanied it. You smiled slightly, without looking directly at him. “It’s spring, Simon.” A soft snort. Half a step closer. Then he sat down beside her.

Not too close. Not immediately. But close enough for his warmth to stand against the cool evening air. For a moment, they simply sat there, side by side, as the light slowly passed over them.

The world grew quieter. More golden. And somehow… more significant. Simon rested his elbows on his knees, briefly glancing over the horizon and then back at her. Longer than necessary. As if trying to commit it to memory.

“Looks different” he murmured finally. “What does?” He shrugged almost imperceptibly. “Everything.” But she knew he meant her. A breeze ruffled her hair, and without thinking, he raised his hand, caught a strand between his fingers, and slowly released it. The movement was gentle, almost unfamiliar, as if even this small touch carried weight. The sun continued to sink, bathing them both in that final, golden light that made everything more real than words ever could.