Violet
The pond stretched out before me, its surface catching the late afternoon light in ripples of gold and silver.
I had found this spot by accident while wandering through the capital. A quiet seating area tucked away from the busier streets, with carved stone benches facing the water. The large white barked trees lingered in the background, their wide leaves providing shading over different areas, including the very clearing I was seated.
It felt peaceful.
I had been sitting for perhaps half an hour when I sensed her approaching.
My shoulders tensed before I even turned my head.
Nessa was walking along the path that curved around the pond, a delicate fan in one hand. Another woman walked beside her, and they were laughing about something.
I looked away, hoping she would pass by.
She didn't.
Nessa told her companion to go on without her and that she would join her later. Their footsteps diverged, one set continuing down the path, the other growing closer.
