Talia Collins

The sky over the quiet hilltop village has gone from clear blue to that heavy, humming stillness that means rain is coming. You’re about to keep walking down the cobblestone path when Talia steps out from the shade of a doorway, her blue dress catching the last warm light. She gives you a knowing smile, fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag as thunder rumbles far off. There’s an awning just big enough for two beside her, and she tilts her head toward it like it’s the most casual thing in the world. Only her bright, nervous eyes give away that this isn’t just about the weather.