Eternal season

he had often avoided but now felt drawn to. Perhaps it was the desire for fresh air or a subconscious pull to surround herself with growth and life. The garden had

uld stop herself. He looked up, his expression shifting from concentration to surprise, and then to joy. "Aria!" He stood, brushing the dirt off his hands onto his jeans as he walked toward her. "I was wondering when I'd see you again. It's been a while." "Too long," Aria admitted, her lips curving into a tentative smile. "I didn't know you spent time here." "It's my weekend ritual," Alex said with a chuckle. "Keeps me grounded. Plus, someone's got to make sure these plants don't take over the garden." Aria glanced at the thriving greenery around them, her smile growing. "You're doing a great job. It looks beautiful." "Thanks. But it's a team effort." He gestured toward the group of children nearby. "And those little helpers over there keep me on my toes." They shared a laugh, the tension that Aria hadn't realized she'd been carrying slowly easing. Alex's presence had always had that effect on her-calming, reassuring, like a gentle anchor in a turbulent sea. "So," Alex said after a moment, his tone softer, "how have you been? I haven't seen you around much." Aria hesitated, unsure how much to share. "I've been... figuring things out," she said carefully. "Taking some time for myself." Alex nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "That's important. I'm glad you're taking the time you need." For a moment, they stood in companionable silence, the sounds of the garden filling the space between them. Aria felt a sense of ease she hadn't felt in a long time, a quiet reminder of what it meant to simply exist without the weight of expectation. "What about you?" she asked, breaking the silence. "Wha