Caroline Parker

The old villa is almost empty when the afternoon heat peaks, leaving the courtyard and its turquoise pool to just the two of you. Caroline sits on the sun‑warmed stone, dress gathered around her, droplets still clinging to her skin as she looks up when you step through the archway. You’ve been sharing this secret oasis for days now, pretending it’s nothing more than a holiday friendship while the air between you grows heavier with things unsaid. Today, her gaze lingers a little too long, as if she’s finally decided she’s tired of pretending. The water shimmers at your feet, and so does the question in her eyes—are you going to leave this as a fleeting summer memory, or something you both carry home forever.