The howling wind of the outside world brushes against my skin as my lips depart from my mug. The bitter aftertaste of coffee remains in my mouth. Seraphia is a beautiful, neat town with a loving, close-knit community that cherishes the gorgeous nature surrounding it. Michael's crimson red truck parks in front of Cozy Cove, the town's popular coffee shop. He leaves his truck, and his phone disappears into his jacket.

Michael's reputation is that of being the kindest in town; he shares the title with Jenna, and they're best friends. A wonder they haven't started dating, they met in college and stayed in touch. Years later, they would meet again, as loving residents of Seraphia. When the sun's obscured by clouds and the world grows dimmer, the Seraphians all meet at Embers Cove, where a fireplace awaits. They laugh and talk for hours on end.

The door behind me slides open. "There you are." Julia's voice shivers, her fingers restless against her body. My hand reaches for the zipper, wanting to open it. I hand her my favorite jacket. "Aren't you gonna be cold?" My lips curve into a smile as I pull the zipper up. "I'll be fine, you're cold though."

Embers Cove, days have passed since I've been there. Michael strumming along on his guitar with the crackling from the fires burning wood. Somehow, the colors of life would become more apparent in moments like these. Children would giggle around. We'd share stories and drink beer, soaking in the blessing of living in Seraphia.

"You wanna hang out at Embers Cove?" Her face lights up as her lips curve into a grinning smile. "I'd love to, it's been a while since I've been there." 

"Let's go to the càfe." Another jacket of mine slides down my body as I reach for it.

The town's quiet streets smell like a bouquet, and the mayor's wife walks past us, holding a blueberry pie in her hands. Her waving hand and smile make Julia laugh with joy. We decide to head to Cozy Cove for a coffee, and the coffee I get reminds me of simpler times—when getting up in the morning wasn't as difficult. 

"Ah, Ethan, the usual, right?" I nod, already getting my purse out when, "Ethan, don't bother, it's on the house." My head tilted to the right, my eyebrows furrowed in confusion. I reach for the coffee, taking in the sweet vanilla scent. " You're always so nice, thank you." With appreciation written upon my face, I take the two coffees.

I almost dropped the coffee cups as a boy came up to hug me. "Ethan?! " I closed my arms around him. "Woah, slow down, buddy." Michael patted his son's head. "I'm sorry, Ethan. Shawn just wouldn't stop talking about you."

"How are you and Elizabeth doing?" his eyes dart across the room. "We broke up, sorry I didn't wanna tell you yet."

My eyes widen, as my lips depart lightly. Elizabeth and Michael, two souls of adoration and playfulness departing. Their fire no longer scorching as their flame diminished.

"What, when? You guys were the sweetest," he takes a swift sip of his coffee, "like a week ago, healthy breakup though."

Vanilla's flavor sweetens my day. As Caitlyn walks through the entrance, her hair rolls to the side once her hat comes off.

 

My eyes roll back, and my muscles tense up. our eyes meet, and her lips curve upwards.

"Oh, that smile, Ethan, are you back together?" Sarcasm plagues my voice. "Yeah, we are, Michael. She was my "Michael's gaze scans my face, as his hand rests on my shoulder. "I'm just messing with you."

Michael's face contorts as his shirt gets stained by coffee. The man hurries to leave, "Hey?! Careful." The man's hand rests on the handle. He turns around, apologizing for the accidental coffee spill.

Julia reaches for a tissue, handing it over to Michael. "Thanks," his gaze anchored to his black shirt, "I'm a lucky guy," he scoffs, as Julia's lips turn inward and her face turns red. The edges of her lips raise, "Hey, another coffee stain and your shirt will be the next arts project." 

Julia's angelic laughing shatters the silence. "Dad? Can I hang out with my friends?" Michael's attention shifts to Shawn, and Michael ruffles his son's head. "Is his mom coming along?" Shawn's eyebrows scrunch. "Yes?" Michael's fist jolts upwards in slight motion. "Ok, I'll come with you." Michael's eyes move over Shawn's face, each movement and change of expression of his magnified by his Icarus gaze. "Don't worry." his coffee cup flies into the bin. "I won't bother you guys, I'll just stay with Diane." Michael's disposable coffee cup lands in the bin, thrown like a champion at his apex. "Alright, see ya later, guys." Michael and Shawn leave the shop, with Michael already talking to Diane. Michael's hand quivers. Now, the eyes of my flower are of utmost importance. 

They call Seraphia a haven due to its beautiful atmosphere and nature. Like a faded photograph, my colors remain gone. Even the coldest heart of the ocean can experience what warmth and comfort can feel like. The people surround the fire, laughing and chatting. Even I can't help but smile, the guitar's beautiful tune sounds. And then Michael's eyes light up, smiling as he realizes the people around him singing along. I found my town, sitting beside the girl I love.

"And who are you?" the disapproving voice of a woman cuts through my thoughts. "Sorry, what?" she repeats herself, the uneasiness within me making my bones rattle. "Ethan, may I ask why?" The woman throws a pinecone into the fire, before I can sense her piercing gaze on me. "I think you know who I am." Her eyes point toward Julia. Is this Julia's mom? "You must be Julia's mom?" she nods, fidgeting with another pine cone. "How did you and Julia meet?" My breath grows shallow, as my pulse accelerates. "Nathan met up with his best friend," the tingling sensation in my body forces becomes too much to bear; another pine cone flies into the fire pit. "That friend brought Julia with her." She leans forward, the overwhelming heat and crackling sound turn vicious. "Nice to meet you, Ethan." She throws another pine cone into the fire, "I'm Lara."