Saturday dawned sunny, perfect for the outing we had planned. We met at the station as always: Damian bursting with energy, Emi carrying a huge bag of snacks, Aina with her calm elegance, and Yume… well, with a quiet smile, more like a lifelong friend than the annoying little sister she was at home.
— Come on, come on, or we'll lose the best tables at the park! — Damian shouted, as if we were heading into some big match.
After walking for a while, we arrived at a huge park with a lake, food stalls, and play areas. The moment we got there, Emi and Damian bolted toward the inflatable playground (yes, inflatables, like little kids), while Aina and I stayed behind, walking more slowly. Yume followed us closely, but without butting into the conversation.
— Do you come here often, Aina? — I asked.
— Sometimes with my family… but never with friends. It feels different. — she replied with a soft smile.
I stayed quiet for a second, struck by how well that smile suited her.
Damian came running back.
— Renzo! There are boats on the lake! Let's go row! —
— Huh? Boats? Isn't that dangerous? — I asked nervously.
— Nah, only if you don't know how to row! — he said confidently.
In the end, we split into two boats: Emi and Damian in one (a disaster from the start), and Aina, Yume, and I in the other. The moment we set off, I could already hear Emi yelling:
— Damian! Stop spinning the oar like it's a broom! —
Aina laughed with her usual calm while I clumsily tried to row.
— I think you're doing it backwards — she said.
— Really? —
— Yeah, like this… let me show you. —
She leaned closer to guide the oar with me, and for a brief instant, her hands touched mine. My heart nearly leapt out of my chest, though she did it as naturally as anything.
— See? Now you've got it. — she said with a smile.
Yume watched us silently. She didn't seem upset, but her eyes had that spark that said, "I'm noticing everything."
After a while, we managed to dock without sinking, which was already an achievement. Damian and Emi, on the other hand, came back soaked from head to toe.
— The boat betrayed us! — Damian shouted, while Emi smacked him with her snack bag.
The rest of the day was spent playing, eating, and laughing. Simple, but different.
By sunset, when everyone started saying goodbye, Aina lingered a moment by my side.
— Thank you for today, Renzo. — she said softly.
— Huh? Me? But we all came together. —
— Yes, but… with you it felt special. —
I froze. I didn't know what to say. I just nodded as she slowly walked away, the evening sun lighting up her dark blue hair.
Yume suddenly appeared behind me, whispering in a teasing tone:
— Brother, you're blushing… —
I pushed her gently so she wouldn't tease me further, but I couldn't stop smiling. That day had definitely been different.
Credits:
Translation Spanish to English: Carlos Damnez.
Author Spanish version: Carlos Damnez