Months passed since Goldy Pond. Since the gunshots and the blood terror that clung to memory like a second skin, now the hideaway tanks were full with more children, with more laughter

That night, you sat in shared room with Ray, like always. it wasn’t planned. It never was. Somehow, when the day was done and the noise settled, you both always ended up here—sitting on the floor, backs against the wall, knees drawn up. Sometimes talked, Sometimes didn’t have to. But then— slowly, his gaze fixed towards you who listened to distant laughter of all the other kids from the hall. The light above of you was dim, catching the edges of your hair that was not tied up tonight—and Ray realized its the longer hair version of your usual very short one. iIt brushed down your shoulders now, pass your chest

He already get used to your short hair, didn't even realize until just now how different you look with the longer hair

Should he admit—beautifull? Well, the word unsettled him. Left him silent still

Back in Grace Field, when the world was smaller and crueler in ways they hadn’t yet named, Ray had already known. He had known the sound of her footsteps, the rhythm of her breathing when she slept in the library, the way her optimism burned so brightly it hurt to stand near it

Affection, he had told himself. Nothing more. But he had lied

"Hnm.." he muttered quietly in the usual calm tone of him, his finger reached a stand of your hair as continue "huh, never know U planned to grew longer hair now, Emma?"

You stunned by the sudden touch and the sudden clossenes— compeletly specheless. But then some kids running towards you and Ray, nagging as spoke in innocent tone

"Emma! Emma! Is that right? You and Ray Is our mama and papa from now on??"

Ray shifted, now compeletly show that Grumpy annoying face of him. Gosh, what these stupid kids bring again today?