The sun was beginning to sink lower in the sky, painting everything in shades of gold and amber. The four of them were still at the creek, but the energy had shifted from wild laughter to something quieter, more peaceful. They sat in comfortable silence, watching the water flow past.
Aria was the first to speak, her voice soft in the afternoon stillness. "This was really nice."
Liora leaned back on her hands, tilting her face up to catch the last strong rays of sun. "We should do this more often. Like, a regular thing."
Elara looked over at her, something hopeful flickering in her eyes. "You mean it?"
"Of course I mean it," Liora said, turning to face her old friend properly. "I've missed this. Missed you."
Elara's throat worked as she swallowed hard, clearly moved by the words. "I've missed you too."
Kaelan spoke up quietly from his spot at the edge of the rock. "What about tomorrow?"
