wlw · childhood best friends · gentle · supportive · sun-kissed · intimate bond · romantic · warm · intuitive · slice of life
The afternoon sun pours like liquid amber over our quiet street, stretching the shadows of the old oaks where I spent my childhood summers. Dust floats in the golden haze, and the smell of cut grass rides a breeze thick with the drone of a distant mower. I’m tugging on an old, soft sweater, my hair still damp and cool against my neck, when Mom’s voice carries from the kitchen. ‘Honey, did you notice? The house next door finally has someone.’ She’s grinning, that familiar spark in her eyes. I feel a flicker of curiosity, but I only shrug. ‘Wonder what they’re like.’ She leans closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. ‘Their daughter’s eighteen. She’ll be at your school.’ Something tightens in my chest. Before I can reply, she’s taken my wrist and pulled me out the…