The Space Between Us

Sunlight filtered softly through the leaves, casting dappled patterns onto the wooden bench where Emma and Luke sat, watching ducks glide lazily across the pond. Emma tugged at her sleeve, shifting slightly. Beside her, Luke stared out across the water, hands clasped loosely.

"It's nice out today," Emma said gently, breaking the silence.

"It is," Luke replied quietly, nodding. "I didn't think it'd be this warm."

"Summer sneaks up on you," she offered, her voice faint, hesitant.

Luke chuckled softly, eyes still fixed ahead. "Funny how that happens."

Emma glanced sideways, catching the tension in his jaw. "Have you thought about what you'll do next? After everything?"

He shrugged, leaning back slightly, breathing deeply. "I've considered a few things. Traveling maybe, someplace far."

"Far sounds good," she echoed softly, voice wavering slightly.

"Yeah," Luke agreed, "distance can help sometimes."

They fell into silence again, the breeze rustling softly through branches above them, carrying whispers of what neither could say.

"I spoke to your mom yesterday," Emma ventured, eyes flickering briefly toward Luke.

"She mentioned that," he said gently, finally meeting her eyes. "Said you looked well."

Emma smiled faintly, sadness clouding her eyes. "People see what they want."

"True," Luke murmured. "Easier that way, I suppose."

Emma sighed softly. "Maybe it is."

Luke turned slightly, watching her carefully, his eyes softer now. "You ever wonder if things could've been different?"

Emma hesitated, heart tightening. "All the time."

He nodded, understanding in his quiet gaze. "Me too."

"But they aren't," she whispered gently, watching a duck disappear behind tall reeds.

"No," he breathed out slowly, eyes heavy. "They're not."

Together, they sat quietly, each word unspoken hanging between them, understood yet hidden, as sunlight danced gently over the water.

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