Shadows of War and Self-Defense

CHARLOTTE

He stood up and shoved his hand into his pocket, and for the first time since he walked through the door, I noticed his outfit. He was wearing a blue shirt and black pants, with a white rose embroidered at the hem of his shirt, which served as a reminder that we were from different worlds.

Yet somehow, our realities had intertwined. “Do you ever wonder what would’ve happened if we never met on the plane?” I asked, and he shook his head.

“I think we would’ve crossed paths somehow, Ms. Edwards,” he said, smiling.

I relaxed as a familiar warmth filled his eyes. “You sound so sure,” I replied, and he put his hand in his pocket.

“Yeah, this seems like one of those things you just know,” he answered with a shrug and walked to the door. “Would you like to go to the beach later today? It might help to be out a bit,” he added, and I shook my head.

“I’d love to...” I swallowed before continuing. “I have a lot to do today, another time perhaps? I wouldn’t want to accept the invite and