Adam lets out a long breath, tracing the letters with his fingers. All the memories of this place paint watercolor images over the words.

“You’ve never kissed anyone before?” Cassie asks, laughing… but the way she smiles… he’s not hurt. He’s glad she’s the first.

He turns, looking toward the old metal staircase.

“They’ve held for a bajillion years, we’ll be fine,” he assures her. Hand in hand, they climb the stairs, sunlight glowing through dusty windows. The smell of the water, the spray off the rocks, the blustery wind. Laughter.

All those beautiful memories feel like old friends… friends forgotten then rediscovered. Does she think about those days too? Does she only think about her last time with him? Did he ruin this place for her? Has she ever come back?

He turns towards her, peering at her in the dim light. Their gaze locks together, intertwined. That hope he saw in her eyes seems intensified, bleeding into his, softening the cold blue edges.

“Forever,” he whispers, trying the words out.