Leo leaned forward from the backseat, his small hands gripping the edge of the seat in front of him. His bright eyes shimmered with excitement, unable to stay still.

“Are we there yet?” he asked, his voice bubbling with impatience.

From the driver’s seat, Lily caught his gaze in the rearview mirror. A gentle smile tugged at her lips as she answered,

 “Almost there, sweetie.”

Leo’s grin widened, pure eagerness lighting up his face. 

“I can’t wait to get there!”

Lily chuckled softly, her eyes warming as she glanced at him again.

 “Are you that happy to meet Grandma?”

“Yes!” Leo bounced in his seat, eyes shining with excitement. 

“She's the best”

Lily’s tender smile lingered as she looked back to the road.

 “That’s nice. We’ll be there soon.”

The sound of tires crunching against gravel filled the air as the car slowed to a stop. Ahead stood a cozy countryside house, nestled quietly among tall trees, as though hidden beneath the twilight sky.

Before the engine had even gone silent, Leo pushed the door open and hopped out, sprinting forward with open arms.

“Grandma!” he called joyfully.

The front door swung wide, and a woman stepped out, her face lighting up with warmth.

 “Leo, my little star!” she exclaimed, her arms reaching to embrace him.

Lily walked up behind her son, her own smile gentle and fond..

 “Hey, Mom,” she greeted softly.

“Come on inside,” the grandmother said warmly, ushering them toward the door.

The three of them gathered around a small wooden table, the gentle clinking of cutlery filling the cozy kitchen. Steam rose from the bowls of food, carrying with it the comforting scent of home. Leo ate with boundless enthusiasm, cheeks puffing as he shoveled spoonfuls into his mouth.

The grandmother’s eyes softened as she watched him.

 “My little star has grown so much,” she said tenderly.

“Yes!” Leo replied proudly, straightening in his chair. 

“Mommy told me to eat a lot so I can grow bigger!”

Laughter bubbled around the table, filling the air with warmth and love. For a moment, the room seemed brighter, alive with their joy.

When he’d had his fill, Leo pushed his plate away and beamed.

 “Mom, I’m done eating. Can I go play outside?”

Lily smiled gently as she collected the dishes.

 “Sure, honey. But don’t go too far.”

“Okay!” Leo chirped, already brimming with energy.

Outside, Leo darted happily around the house, his laughter mingling with the soft hum of evening. Sunlight filtered through the trees, painting the world in shades of gold and rose, as if the sky itself were blushing.

A butterfly drifted past him, its delicate wings glowing in the fading light. Leo’s eyes widened with wonder.

“So… beautiful,” he whispered.

He took off after it, giggling as it danced just out of reach. The flutter of its wings carried him farther and farther, and he didn’t notice the distance growing between himself and the house.

“Wait for me!” he called, chasing it through the tall grass.

The butterfly soared onward, gliding past a lone figure seated at the edge of a cliff. The setting sun framed him in a golden glow, his silhouette etched against the horizon.

That was when Leo saw him.

Curiosity tugged at the boy’s steps. Peeking out from behind a bush, Leo’s gaze lingered on the stranger—Rowan. The boy sat still with his knees pulled close, his eyes fixed silently on the horizon, as though the world beyond it held his entire heart.

Who is he? Leo wondered, his thoughts quiet but insistent.

A sudden crunch of footsteps snapped Rowan from his thoughts. His head turned sharply, eyes narrowing.

“What do you want?” he demanded, his voice edged with irritation.

Leo stepped out from behind the bush, hesitant but unafraid.

 “What are you doing alone up here?” he asked softly.

Rowan’s frown deepened, his tone cold. 

“It’s none of your business.”

Unbothered, Leo tilted his head, curiosity shining in his eyes. 

“I’m Leo. What’s your name?”

Rowan glanced away, jaw tightening. He’s nosy, he thought with a scowl.

“I told you to go away,” he muttered.

But Leo didn’t retreat. His small hands fidgeted at his sides, yet his gaze stayed steady.

 “I just want to know your name…”

Above them, the sky shifted, streaked with the deepening hues of twilight. Rowan’s chest tightened as the air grew colder. It’s getting dark… I should get rid of him.

“Just go home,” he said firmly, his voice low with warning.

Leo’s eyes darted around the unfamiliar trees, confusion clouding his excitement. 

Where am I? he wondered nervously.

Rowan’s voice cut through the quiet. “Are you lost or something?”

Leo shook his head quickly, fumbling for words. “No, I… I was just…”

Rowan rolled his eyes, irritation flashing across his face. Such a stupid kid.

“I’ll take you home,” he said flatly. “Just keep walking forward.”

Leo blinked at him, unsure. “What…?”

“I said walk,” Rowan ordered, his tone firm.

With a reluctant pout, Leo obeyed, shuffling ahead. Rowan followed behind with his hands shoved into his pockets, his steps casual but watchful.

Why is he so mean? Leo thought, glancing back once with a small frown. I just wanted to be friends.

They walked in silence, Leo just a few steps ahead while Rowan lingered behind, his watchful eyes never leaving the boy.

“Do… you live around here?” Leo asked cautiously, glancing over his shoulder.

Rowan’s reply was curt. “Less talking, more walking.”

Leo puffed his cheeks and muttered, “Fine…”

But moments later, his eyes brightened as a familiar sight came into view. Grandma’s house! he thought, his steps quickening.

Breaking into a smile, Leo hurried toward the forest’s edge where the warm glow of home awaited. 

“Oh, we’re here. Thank y—”

He turned around to face Rowan.

But the path behind him was empty.

“Hello…?” Leo’s voice faltered as he peered into the trees. Where did he go?

He stood still, the evening breeze brushing against his skin, his wide eyes scanning the quiet forest that now held no trace of the mysterious boy.