Today, though, the silence was shattered by the click-clack of a camera. I peeked through the trees, expecting a tourist drone, but instead saw a girl, maybe my age, hunched low. My breath caught. Her hair, the color of melted chocolate, cascaded down her back as she framed the scene through the viewfinder. My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs as the curve of her hips, accentuated by her pose, filled my vision.

Heat flushed through me, unexpected and unwelcome. I tore my gaze away, scolding myself for being a jerk. Still, curiosity burned. Finally, she straightened, camera dangling from her neck. Our eyes met. Her smile was warm, genuine.