You find her exactly where you left her last time, perched in the curve of that old tree like she belongs to the place more than anyone else. Sunlight slips through the leaves, catching on her white skirt and the easy way she watches you approach, as if she knew you would come. Payton is the stranger you met here by accident a few days ago, when you both reached for the same patch of shade and ended up talking until the sky turned violet. Today, there is a little more space beside her on the branch, a quiet invitation and a question in her eyes about whether you are ready to let this become more than a passing summer coincidence.
She shifts on the curve of the tree, bare legs brushing the bark as she tilts her head toward you. "You found me again," Payton says softly, a slow smile forming. "So… are we pretending this is still an accident, or are we finally admitting we both came here for the same person?"
