Our Promise

ered papers before the wind could snatch them away. He retrieved my satchel from the pavement and inquired about my well-being. He positione

ruck me as peculiar, as if

GU

h guests, while boats speckle Mirror Lake like stars in the sky. Coffeehouses overflow with university students, and both tourists and locals am

tendant at the outdoor drink stand, flashing a

air away from my forehead and glan

ted above a line of shops, overlooking Avalon Street. The wrought-iron balc

ding foyer, I release the grocery bag, kick off my shoes, and collapse onto the bottom ste

, be

he stairs. His dark hair is tousled, his shirt slightly rumpled with sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Hi

ze at him. Dean effortlessly embodies the combination of a brilli

g my head as I take an

-wrap, the elastic band digging into my waist uncomfortably. My toes throb from being confined in heels all d

accepting the plastic cup. With a straw inserted, I take a sip. I'm not particularly fond of i

I find every table occupied by group

feeling like an exhausted schoolteacher amidst the carefree, leisurely summer crowd. My ponyta

" Dean remarks as he descends the

feeling a lump form in

sits beside me on the step, reaching out to brush

despite me sending the information twice via email and providing a hard copy. Mr. Hammond still blamed me," I ex

nation—" Dean begins, but I interrupt

ond was always nitpicking about mistakes, which I did not ma

th him?" Dean offers, his ton

ng a flicker of amusement

feeling hot, sweaty, and likely less than fresh, I nestle against him with a contente