Chapter 19 — Exploring Aurenfall

  Morning light slipped quietly into the room, soft and calm, as the day began in Aurenfall.

  One by one, everyone slowly woke up—except Luca.

  Noah rubbed his eyes and glanced around before stopping at Luca, who was already up, sitting neatly and checking something on his phone.

  He frowned.

  “Dude… why are you awake so early?” Noah said, stretching. “It’s 7:00, and I’m damn sure you’ve been awake since 6:00, right?”

  Luca looked up and nodded casually. “Yeah.”

  Anvi immediately jumped in, smirking. “He’s punctual. Not like you, who sleeps three times in a single day and still says, ‘I’m sleepy.’”

  Noah scoffed. “Hey! Remember, I won the musical chair.”

  He paused for a second, then added more slowly, “Once.”

  Anvi laughed. “Luca could’ve won. But he let Anaya win.”

  She tilted her head toward her with a teasing smirk. “Right, Anaya?”

  Anaya laughed shyly, nodding. “Yeah… of course. He could’ve won the game.”

  Before the teasing could turn into another playful argument, Luca spoke up, calm as ever.

  “Guys, stop fighting. I woke up early to check the weather and everything—so that nobody spoils our trip.”

  “Good job, mastermind,” Anaya said warmly.

  “Of course he is,” Anvi added instantly.

  Noah puffed his chest proudly. “After all, he’s my brother!”

  Anvi shot back without missing a beat, “Then learn some good habits from your brother!”

  Everyone burst out laughing.

  Once the laughter settled, Luca cleared his throat slightly.

  “So… today’s plan includes quite a few events. By the way, I’ve already booked the tickets for going back too. Now let me tell you what and how we’re going to do everything today—because we don’t have plenty of time to waste. We’ll manage it wisely.”

  Everyone instinctively listened.

  “First, breakfast. Then we’ll book a cab to the Aurenfall Fest. We’ll participate—and we’ll try to win the award. At least one of us should win it.”

  While he spoke, Anaya kept looking at him—unintentionally, unconsciously.

  This trip is so fun… just because Luca is with us. With me. He’s so smart. So calm.

  Noah opened his mouth to say something, but Anvi quickly placed a finger on his lips, stopping him mid-way.

  Luca continued, unaware.

  “After that, we’ll go to Aurenfall Lake. We’ll do boating for a while, and then—”

  He glanced at Anvi. “—we’ll do your favorite thing.”

  Anvi’s eyes lit up. “Eating, right?”

  “Of course.”

  She cheered instantly.

  And once again, Anaya looked at him—the way he spoke, the way he planned, the way he managed time so effortlessly.

  Noah tried to interrupt again.

  Anvi stopped him the same way.

  “Then,” Luca said, “we’ll head to the Aurenfall Theme Park.”

  Anaya frowned slightly. “What’s special about it? Lakes and all are outside too, right?”

  “Yes,” Luca replied, “but inside the theme park, there’s a replica of each of the world’s best waterfalls. And the best part—the water flowing there actually comes from the original waterfalls.”

  Everyone went quiet.

  “That’s why it’s special,” he continued. “It’s made especially for ocean and water-body lovers. The sound of water gives you calm, peace, and chill. People go in and don’t come out for four or five hours—and when they do, they say they didn’t even realize where the time went.”

  “Wow,” Anaya whispered.

  “Amazing,” Anvi added.

  “The trip’s going to be so much fun!” Noah said excitedly.

  Luca raised a finger. “Wait—there’s still more.”

  Everyone leaned in.

  “After that, we’ll go into the town and try the local food. People say at night the town feels like heaven on land—lights everywhere, the smell of sizzling food, everything. And the taste… it’s so good that you’ll never forget it your entire life.”

  He paused briefly before adding, “Then we catch our train. It departs at 11:00. Even if we leave Aurenfall at 10:00, we’ll make it easily.”

  “And that’s how the trip ends.”

  For a moment, there was silence.

  Then Noah grinned widely. “Bro… you nailed the planning.”

  “I didn’t do a big job,” Luca replied modestly. “It wasn’t that hard.”

  Anvi shook her head. “Luca, you don’t understand what you’ve done.”

  Luca blinked, confused. “Did I do something wrong?”

  Anaya smiled softly. “She means you did the hardest part—planning everything. You made it so flawless that there’s nothing left to worry about.”

  “Oh,” Luca said, a little embarrassed. “Thanks.”

  “First of all,” Anvi announced dramatically, stretching her arms, “let’s take a bath!”

  Noah jumped up instantly. “Let’s gooo!”

  Within minutes, the rooms were filled with movement — doors opening and closing, water running, muffled laughter echoing through the hallway. The tiredness of the previous day slowly washed away, replaced by excitement. By the time they were done, the morning felt fresh, light, and full of promise.

  Soon after, they headed down for breakfast.

  The moment food arrived, Anvi’s eyes lit up.

  “Where’s the chef?” she suddenly shouted. “Where’s the chef?!”

  Anaya, already used to Anvi’s dramatic energy, calmly called a waiter.

  “Excuse me,” she said politely, “could you please show her the way to the kitchen? She wants to thank the chef once.”

  The waiter froze.

  His expression shifted between confusion, surprise, and a very clear this-hasn’t-happened-before look. After a second of awkward silence, he pointed hesitantly. “Th… there it is.”

  Anvi immediately waved her hands. “No no no, I was just joking!”

  But Luca leaned back in his chair, completely serious. “No. Now you’ll thank him.”

  Anvi panicked. “Guys, no! Please, I was joking! What will I even say to the chef?”

  Noah smirked. “You’ll say you’re thinking of packing him with you, so he can make delicious food for you everywhere.”

  “GUYS PLEASEEE,” Anvi begged.

  “No please,” Luca replied calmly.

  And just like that, they dragged her to the kitchen.

  When Anvi finally blurted out everything — including the packing the chef part — the chef burst into laughter. He laughed so hard that he had to hold his stomach, leaning against the counter for support.

  Anaya and Noah were already gone. They were holding their stomachs too, repeating Anvi’s line again and again just to tease her.

  “I’ll pack the chef!”

  “I’ll pack the chef!”

  “Guys! That’s enough!” Anvi shouted, completely embarrassed. “At least you, Luca, don’t laugh!”

  But Luca had already lost it.

  He was lying on the floor, punching it lightly as he laughed. “Sorry—really sorry—but I couldn’t hold back.”

  After calming down and apologising to the chef, they finally left, still smiling.

  Not long after, they booked a cab for the Aurenfall Fest.

  On the way, the scenery slowly changed. Frogs hopped near small water streams, squirrels darted between trees, and nature surrounded them quietly. No one spoke much — they just watched, letting the place sink in.

  Soon, they arrived.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  As they entered the fest area, the sound of water greeted them first — soft at the beginning, then louder with every step. Bamboo structures stood tall near the lake, participants gathered around, and the crowd buzzed with excitement.

  “Don’t worry, guys,” Noah said proudly. “I’ll win the award for you all.”

  Anvi glanced at him. “Having you with us is the real thing to worry about.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “Let’s participate,” Anaya said.

  They registered their names, and soon the fest began — fireworks lighting up the sky, water roaring nearby, fresh air filling their lungs. Frogs croaked rhythmically around the lake, adding to the atmosphere.

  One by one, participants stepped onto the bamboo. Some slipped instantly. Some lasted a few seconds.

  Then came Noah.

  “Guys,” he said confidently, “the award is mine.”

  “Sure,” Anaya replied. “Now go.”

  He stepped onto the bamboo… and instantly turned into a complete clown.

  He waved his arms, twisted his body, made the weirdest faces — doing everything except balancing.

  Luca and Anaya had tears in their eyes from laughing.

  Anvi clutched her stomach, laughing uncontrollably.

  “Dude,” Luca said between laughs, “this is really fun to watch.”

  After fifteen seconds of pure struggle, Noah sank straight into the water.

  Then came Anvi.

  She lasted exactly one second.

  Next was Anaya.

  She almost fell at six seconds, but the cheers of her friends kept her steady. She focused, balanced herself, and stayed.

  Twenty-nine seconds.

  Everyone cheered.

  Then Luca stepped forward.

  Anaya looked at him and said softly, “I want you to win.”

  The anticipation in her eyes, the warmth in her voice, the gentle smile she gave — it made Luca’s chest feel strangely warm.

  For a moment, everything around him disappeared.

  He wasn’t thinking about the crowd.

  He wasn’t thinking about the challenge.

  Only her.

  I have to win this, he thought. Not for me… for her.

  He stepped onto the bamboo and almost fell within three seconds.

  Then Anaya started cheering.

  Her voice grew louder, stronger — and with it, his determination.

  Her smile replayed in his mind. He imagined her smiling when he handed her the award.

  He steadied himself.

  Time stopped.

  He wobbled many times, but he didn’t fall.

  For him, nothing mattered — not the seconds, not the difficulty. Only winning.

  And then—

  He did.

  Cheers erupted.

  Noah hugged him tightly. Anvi congratulated him excitedly.

  Anaya just smiled.

  Luca stood there, still lost in thought, until Noah’s hug pulled him back to reality. His eyes instinctively searched — and found Anaya, smiling at him.

  “Now,” Luca said finally, “shall we go boating?”

  “I’m in!” Anaya said joyfully.

  “Why not!” Anvi added.

  “My bro won!” Noah said proudly.

  “Weird reason,” Anaya teased.

  “Maybe we’re forgetting something,” Luca said.

  “What?” Anvi asked.

  “His award!” Anaya exclaimed.

  “Of course!” Luca laughed. “You guys forget things so easily. Don’t forget me one day.”

  “We won’t,” Anvi said.

  They went to the organisers, who congratulated Luca warmly. Photos were taken — one of him receiving the award, and then a group photo where all four tried to grab it together.

  That photo became one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

  They slowly walked toward the boating area, the crowd thinning with every step. The noise of the fest faded behind them, replaced by the gentle rhythm of water hitting the shore. After buying tickets, they stepped onto a manual boat made for four, slightly rocking as their weight settled in.

  Luca and Noah took the paddles, while Anaya and Anvi sat facing them.

  As the boat moved forward, the lake opened itself up — wide, calm, and endless. The further they went, the quieter it became. No cheers, no announcements, no crowd — just water, wind, and the soft creaking of the boat.

  When they reached the middle of the lake, Luca stopped paddling.

  For a moment, no one spoke.

  The water reflected the sky like a mirror. Cool air brushed against their faces, carrying the faint smell of wet earth and greenery. It felt unreal — like the world had paused just for them.

  Anaya let out a slow breath. “This is… peaceful.”

  Anvi nodded. “Finally. Silence.”

  Noah smiled. “Worth it.”

  They took out their phone and clicked a selfie — all four of them squeezed together, hair slightly messy, smiles natural, eyes relaxed. It wasn’t a perfect photo, but it was them.

  They spent nearly an hour like that — paddling lazily, drifting, talking.

  The conversation slowly turned childish.

  Anvi grinned. “When I was little, I once tickled my mom while she was asleep.”

  Everyone burst out laughing.

  “She woke up scared!” Anvi added proudly.

  Noah laughed and raised his hand. “I once swallowed a chewing gum.”

  “What?!” Anaya said, shocked.

  “I thought it would digest faster,” Noah replied innocently.

  Laughter echoed across the lake.

  Anaya smiled and said, “I once hid my school bag so I could skip school.”

  “That’s evil,” Luca said, laughing.

  Then Luca hesitated for a second before saying, “I once took a coin from my dad and buried it in a flower pot… hoping a coin tree would grow.”

  There was a moment of silence.

  Then—

  Everyone exploded with laughter.

  Anvi almost leaned forward, laughing uncontrollably.

  Anaya covered her mouth, laughing till her eyes watered.

  Noah clutched his stomach. “I thought you were smart since birth, bro!”

  “I thought he was smart since childhood,” Anvi added.

  Luca shrugged. “Nope. I became smart as I grew.”

  Anaya shook her head, smiling warmly. “I didn’t expect that from you… but don’t worry. Your secret’s safe.”

  Luca laughed and nodded.

  Time slipped by unnoticed.

  Eventually, they returned the boat and headed toward Aurenfall Theme Park.

  The moment they entered, it felt unreal.

  Waterfalls surrounded them — tall, wide, flowing endlessly. The sound of water filled the air, not loud, but calming. It wrapped around them like a soft blanket. Occasionally, cool splashes of water landed on their faces.

  The water was cold — yet refreshing.

  Instead of irritation, it brought peace.

  Noah closed his eyes dramatically. “Please let me stay here. From today onwards, I’m a monk.”

  Luca checked his watch. “The park closes at 9. So, Mr. Monk, find a better place.”

  “Sorry bro!” Noah said instantly. “Take me with you.”

  Then he smirked. “Or you could stay here with me. Best part — I’ll finally get rid of Anvi.”

  Anvi crossed her arms. “First, Luca isn’t staying with you. Second, you’re not getting rid of me. If anyone’s staying, it’s me.”

  Anaya laughed. “What about our already booked tickets? Cancel three of them?”

  They laughed and kept walking.

  They explored endlessly — waterfall replicas, paths soaked in mist, bridges humming with water beneath. Time didn’t stop. Neither did they.

  Finally, exhausted, they sat down.

  Luca checked his watch. “Guys… it’s 7:00 already.”

  Noah gasped dramatically. “Bro please! Say that’s a lie!”

  “Check your phone,” Anaya said.

  Noah looked. Then looked at Luca. Then Anaya. Took a deep breath.

  Everyone waited.

  “Guys…” he paused.

  “This place isn’t normal.”

  “Why?” Anaya asked.

  “I’ve heard this place has a time hole. That’s why time flies so fast here.”

  Thap.

  Luca slapped the back of Noah’s head.

  “Why did you hit me?” Noah asked.

  “Dumbo,” Luca said. “At least read something realistic.”

  Noah stared at him. “How did you get the exact story?”

  “Internet,” Anaya said casually.

  Anvi stretched. “Guys, I wanna use the washroom.”

  “Me too,” Luca said.

  “Do you know the way?”

  “Of course,” Luca replied. “I researched everything.”

  “Smarty boy.”

  “Of course, I am.”

  They walked away, leaving Anaya and Noah behind.

  Anaya scrolled through her phone — photos from yesterday, today, their laughter frozen in frames. Noah was on his phone too.

  After a while, he looked up. “Hey, Anaya.”

  “Hm?”

  “I need your help. But please don’t tell Anvi and Luca.”

  She looked confused, about to ask—

  Just then, Anvi and Luca returned.

  “What are you guys talking about?” Anvi asked.

  “He wanted help—” Anaya started.

  “No!” Noah cut in quickly. “Photos. I wanted her photos.”

  He looked at Anaya — helpless.

  She remembered his words.

  Regret instantly crossed her face. Her eyes silently said sorry.

  Anvi narrowed her eyes, suspicious — but let it go.

  And the moment passed.

  They slowly headed toward the town, the streets glowing under warm yellow lights. As they entered the market, it felt alive — people moving in every direction, laughter mixing with music, and the smell of hot, fresh food filling the air.

  Something was always sizzling somewhere.

  There were artists sketching portraits, vendors selling handmade jewelry that sparkled under the lights, stalls filled with colorful clothes swaying gently in the night breeze.

  They stopped at a portrait artist first.

  He studied them for a moment, then began working swiftly. His hands moved confidently, years of practice visible in every stroke. When he finally showed them the portrait — all four together, expressions perfectly captured — they went silent.

  Anaya stepped closer.

  “Wow… this—this is a masterpiece.”

  Luca smiled. “This must be the result of years of practice, right?”

  The painter chuckled and nodded. “Yes.”

  Then he looked at Luca and said warmly, “This boy seems smart and kind. What’s your name, dear?”

  Luca introduced himself first — then, without hesitation, introduced every single one of them.

  Watching him, Anaya’s thoughts drifted.

  He never leaves anyone behind.

  Not even for a moment.

  Anvi leaned in and whispered teasingly into Anaya’s ear, “Has he conquered your thoughts?”

  Anaya smiled — calm, gentle.

  “Maybe.”

  They moved ahead.

  Soon, they found a stall selling t-shirts with “I Love Aurenfall” printed on them. All four bought one instantly and took a selfie — laughing, tired, happy.

  Then came food.

  And more food.

  And even more food.

  Anvi was in her element — tasting everything, eyes wide, making dramatic faces.

  “This is so tasty!” she exclaimed. “Sir, please teach me how you make this!”

  The vendor laughed. “Thank you, dear. I’m glad you liked it.”

  They kept eating until their stomachs protested.

  Finally, Anvi stepped back dramatically. “Guys… that’s it for today. If I eat even one more bite, my stomach will blast.”

  Anaya laughed. “Who told you to eat this much?”

  Anvi took a deep breath, paused, then said seriously,

  “You don’t understand, Anaya. The food was so good that I couldn’t stop. And if I hadn’t tried everything, I would’ve regretted it later.”

  Everyone laughed.

  Luca checked his watch. “Guys… it’s 9:00.”

  For the first time in a while, Noah sounded genuinely sad.

  “I don’t want to leave Aurenfall.”

  “Yeah,” Anaya said softly. “But trips are meant to end. We can’t stay forever.”

  Anvi stared at her. “Wow. You dropped a hard quote.”

  Anaya blinked. “Did I?”

  “Of course you did,” Luca said, smiling.

  “So what’s next?” Anvi asked.

  “The only option left,” Noah sighed, “is to grab our luggage and go to the railway station.”

  “Nope,” Luca said calmly. “I’ve got a surprise.”

  All three turned toward him.

  “Where are you taking us?” Anaya asked.

  “Yeah,” Anvi and Noah added together.

  “You trust me, right?” Luca said. “Just come with me.”

  Noah groaned. “Are we walking? Dude, what if it’s kilometres away?”

  “It’s nearby,” Luca replied. “Trust me. You’ll find peace there.”

  Anvi nudged Noah. “Just shut up and follow him. If Luca says it’s good, it’s good.”

  They started walking.

  Anaya walked beside Luca.

  Anvi and Noah followed behind — teasing, laughing, chaotic.

  In front, Luca and Anaya walked quietly — calm like a still lake.

  Luca spoke softly. “Anaya.”

  She looked at him — really looked at him.

  His face was calm, unreadable. Then he smiled.

  Moonlight fell on his face, making it glow softly. His eyes reflected the light, gentle and warm. For a few seconds, Anaya froze.

  Her heart skipped.

  “Anaya?” he asked again, smiling brighter.

  “Hm?” she replied.

  “Did you like the trip?”

  She broke eye contact, looked down at their feet, then slowly up at the sky — stars shining, moon watching silently.

  “Yes,” she said softly. “I really enjoyed the trip.”

  She paused.

  “I enjoyed it because you were there.”

  Then she leaned slightly forward, looked at him, and asked,

  “Did you enjoy it?”

  Luca smiled — genuinely.

  “Of course. I really, really enjoyed it.”

  He paused, then whispered,

  “Because you were there.”

  Talking like that, they reached their destination.

  A temple stood quietly ahead. Beside it, a lake shimmered gently, waves brushing the shore softly. The place was empty, peaceful, sacred.

  “There,” Luca said.

  Noah whispered, “Bro… this place is so peaceful.”

  “The sound of water…” Anvi added.

  “And the crickets,” Anaya said softly. “And look — fireflies.”

  Luca smiled. “There’s a tradition here. A ritual mixed with superstition.”

  He continued, “If you light a lamp, toss a coin into the lake, and make a wish — it comes true.”

  “Sounds interesting,” Anaya said.

  They lit a lamp together, placed it carefully.

  Then, one by one, they tossed a coin into the lake — each making a silent wish.

  Afterward, they sat on the temple steps.

  Noah suddenly said, “Guys, you know I wished—”

  “Don’t,” Luca interrupted.

  “Why?” Noah asked.

  Before Luca could answer, Anaya said softly,

  “Because wishes must stay secret until they come true. If you tell them early, they never do.”

  Luca smiled. “Exactly.”

  He checked his watch. “It’s 9:30. We should head back — hotel, then the station.”

  Everyone nodded.

  And the night slowly prepared to say goodbye.

  Alright. Same rules. Same soul.

  No additions, no removals — just clean flow, emotions, atmosphere, smooth narration, exactly like our chapters.

  From there, they walked back to the main road and booked a cab to the hotel. The city lights slowly faded behind them as exhaustion finally began to settle into their bodies.

  At the hotel, they collected their luggage and moved toward the checkout counter.

  As the receptionist saw them approach, a warm smile spread across his face.

  “Thank you for coming, sir,” he said politely. “And… thank you for the idea of the games. Because of you, all our guests stayed entertained till morning. Everyone who checked out kept saying — tell our thanks to that group of young boys and girls.”

  They exchanged surprised looks.

  “Thank you,” Luca replied calmly. “The food, the service — everything was wonderful. We truly loved it. Especially the games. Thank you for arranging the chairs and music.”

  “Our pleasure, sir,” the receptionist replied. “Whenever you come to Aurenfall again, please contact us. We’d love to host you.”

  Noah nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, for sure.”

  Anaya smiled softly. “We definitely will.”

  After checking out, they booked another cab and headed straight for the railway station.

  The station lights welcomed them again.

  Luca checked his watch.

  “10:43,” he said. “Guys, the train’s arriving. Grab your luggage.”

  They quickly boarded, settled their bags, and finally sat down.

  Noah let out a long breath.

  “Guys… I’m really, really exhausted.”

  He paused dramatically.

  “But this exhaustion? Totally worth it.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “You’ll never change, will you?” Anaya said, smiling.

  “Nope,” Noah replied proudly. “Because if I change, you guys will miss the old Noah.”

  They all laughed and agreed.

  “I’m sleepy,” Noah announced. “I’m going to sleep now.”

  “Same,” Anvi said. “I’m dead tired.”

  “Okay,” Anaya said softly. “Let’s sleep.”

  They arranged their beds, pulled the blankets over themselves, and turned off the lights.

  Soon, the sound of the train blended with Noah’s snoring.

  Anvi had already fallen asleep.

  But Luca and Anaya were still awake — though neither of them realized it at first.

  Luca lay straight, staring up.

  Anaya turned slightly — and noticed his eyes were still open.

  She whispered softly,

  “Didn’t sleep?”

  “Exhausted,” Luca whispered back. “But not sleepy. You?”

  “Same,” she replied. “Just… not sleepy.”

  “Hm.”

  He lay straight again, then spoke softly.

  “Would you like to see baby Luca?”

  Her eyes lit up instantly.

  “I’d love to!”

  He unlocked his phone and showed her a photo — his childhood self, chocolate smeared all over his mouth.

  She smiled wide.

  “Wow! You were so cute. Look at your cheeks! And your mouth — totally covered in chocolate.”

  He chuckled shyly.

  “I was fat.”

  She laughed.

  “Would you like to see baby Anaya?”

  “Of course,” he said warmly. “I’d love to.”

  She showed him a photo — her childhood self playing with her mother.

  He looked at it for a moment, then said softly,

  “Now I understand why you’re so beautiful.”

  She blinked, confused.

  “Why?”

  He smiled gently.

  “Like mother, like daughter. Your mother is really pretty.”

  She blushed — but then paused.

  Her expression faded for a second.

  Luca noticed immediately.

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

  She smiled softly.

  “Don’t feel bad. You complimented me. I just… got emotional.”

  He nodded.

  After a moment, he asked quietly,

  “So… what was your favourite moment from the trip?”

  She thought.

  “Sorry,” she whispered. “Give me a moment.”

  “No rush,” he said. “Take your time.”

  After a long pause, she smiled.

  “My answer’s ready.”

  He leaned slightly toward her.

  “I loved the whole trip,” she said. “Every single moment. When I really thought about it, I realized — nothing felt bad.”

  She looked at him.

  “Thank you, Luca.”

  “For what?” he asked, smiling — already knowing.

  “For the trip. You made it so memorable.”

  He leaned back.

  “It was memorable because we all were there.”

  Then he looked at her and said softly,

  “Isn’t it amazing? We met just a few days ago, yet it feels like we’ve known each other for years.”

  “We were meant to be together,” she replied. “And here we are.”

  “I went on a trip after a long time,” Luca said. “Still… it felt too short. like we were out of time.”

  “The time is always twenty-four hours,” Anaya said gently. “It’s the company that makes it feel less or more.”

  He smiled.

  “You’re absolutely right.”

  “What was your favourite moment?” she asked.

  “The games at the hotel,” he replied calmly. “They were amazing.”

  “They really were,” she smiled. “Noah and Anvi loved it too.”

  “If we ever get two or three days off again,” Luca said, “we should go on another trip. Somewhere else. More adventurous.”

  She opened her gallery and showed him a photo — Luca making a weird face.

  He groaned. “Delete that.”

  Laughing, he scrolled through his phone and found an equally embarrassing photo of Anaya.

  She gasped. “Hey!”

  And just like that — a playful battle began.

  Laughter filled the quiet coach.

  Somewhere in between laughter and smiles, Anaya fell asleep.

  Luca gently took her phone, turned it off, and covered her with the blanket.

  He whispered softly,

  “Good night, Anaya.”

  As he stood to return to his seat, her hand suddenly grabbed his.

  In sleep, she murmured,

  “Don’t leave me.”

  He smiled.

  “I’m not going anywhere.”

  She smiled in her sleep — like a child — and drifted deeper into rest.

  And thus,

  Chapter 19 ended.