After that night on the hill. 

The day felt heavier than usual, though the sky was clear and full of late-summer light. Ethan had gone off for a road trip with friends, leaving the house too quiet.

Kim and I tried to keep busy — washing the car, arguing over the playlist, losing track of time in the backyard.

 Every small thing felt like it mattered more than it should.

He was leaning over the hood, wiping the last bit of water off, when he looked at me with that crooked grin.

“Hey, you missed a spot,” he said, pointing at the absolutely nothing spot.

I squinted at him. “You’re just saying that to make me work.”

“Maybe,” he admitted. “Or maybe I like bossing you around.”

I flicked a handful of water at him, and he acted like I’d committed a crime. Within a seconds, it turned into a full-on splash fight — laughter echoing across the yard, sunlight catching every drop.

When we finally stopped, we were both soaked and breathless. I turned to grab the towel, but he stepped forward at the same time.

We collided — not hard, just close enough that to bumped each other.

For a second, everything stilled.

His breath brushed my cheek, warm from laughing. My heart jumped, and I froze, unsure whether to move or apologize.

He didn’t move either. we Just stayed there for a moment, our eyes flicking down for a fraction of a second before he smiled.

“Guess we’re even now,” he said softly.

I laughed — too quickly, too nervous. “For what?”

“For the splash war. And for making me forget how quiet this place used to be.”

The air between us felt lighter but somehow heavier at the same time. I could hear the faint hum of cicadas, the trickle of water down the driveway, and my own heartbeat that wouldn’t calm down.

“Kim?” I said quietly.

“Yeah?”

“Do you ever think… maybe some people come back because they’re supposed to?”

He looked at me for a long moment, the smile fading into something softer. “Yeah,” he said

 “Maybe they just don’t realize why yet.”

And then he stepped back, breaking the spell with an easy grin. “Come on. You’re dripping everywhere, shortcake.”

I rolled my eyes, but my face felt warm for the rest of the afternoon.