Page 18 of Twisted Paths

Luke shakes his head, but there’s the faintest trace of amusement behind his eyes.

The silence that follows isn’t awkward. It’s easy. The teasing fades into something softer, the kind of conversation that lingers rather than rushes.

I glance at him again. His brown hair is neatly trimmed. His eyes appear dark from a distance, but close up, I realise they are a deep, almost midnight blue. There are laughter lines at the corners of his eyes, which surprises me, given that I’ve yet to see him smile. He is handsome, but in a way that doesn’t demand attention. He’s not the type to spend hours in front of a mirror, perfecting his appearance. His lean physique suggests he works out, but not to sculpt muscle, more to stay active, to keep his body moving rather than shape it into something for show.

But there’s more to him than just looks. Something deeper. He doesn’t just blurt out whatever comes to mind… the way I tend to do. No, he thinks first, weighs his words. It’s clear he likes to be in control, not in an overbearing way, but in the little things—the way he carefully pulls apart his bread instead of tearing into it, the way he takes measured bites, never rushing. There’s a precision to him, a quiet restraint that makes me wonder what else he keeps in check.

“What?” he asks when he catches me watching him.

“Nothing,” I grin. He lets it go and returns his attention back to his salad. I can’t help noticing though, for someone who seemed like he wanted to escape this walk as soon as it started, he looks… comfortable.

And somehow, that feels surprising.

Pleasant, but surprising.

Chapter 5

Luke

Bythetimewereach the village again, Bernard looks done for.

His ears droop, his paws drag, and he has the distinct air of a dog who has seen too much.

Mrs Higgins stops just outside the pub, giving her walking stick a firm tap against the ground before looking down at her exhausted companion. “Well, I think that’s quite enough adventure for today.”

Bernard lets out a long, dramatic sigh and flops onto the pavement like he’s trying to merge with it.

And then, it happens, although by now I am no longer surprised.

A slow, mournful release, as if Bernard is exhaling his very soul.

A breeze picks up, carrying absolute devastation straight towards us.

Nancy makes a strangled noise and immediately steps back. “Oh—oh my God—”

I turn away, rubbing my face with both hands. “Why does it linger?”

Mrs Higgins exhales, no longer bothered. “Honestly, lad, it’s just air.”

Nancy gags. “It’s a biological hazard.”

Bernard stares into the distance, completely unaffected, as though he is no longer part of this world.

Mrs Higgins pats his head fondly. “Poor lad’s had a long day.”

Nancy coughs into her sleeve. “So have we.”

I shake my head, trying to clear what little oxygen remains in my lungs. “This is why people leave cities. Not for the peace and quiet. For self-preservation.”

Mrs Higgins, entirely unfazed, adjusts the strap on her rucksack. “Well, I’ll leave you two to your drink. But I’ll be at the next one, Nancy, don’t you worry about that. And I’ll make sure the rest of the village hears about it.”

Nancy’s face lights up. “Really? That would be brilliant! For now, I am planning to host them once a month.”

Mrs Higgins nods. “Oh yes. By next time, you’ll have a proper group.”

Nancy grins. “That’s exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you, Mrs Higgins.”

She waves a hand. “No thanks needed, love. It’s a wonderful idea, and people just need a little encouragement sometimes.”

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