180

"What should I do now?"

Caroline rolled her eyes. "I have to pretend I didn't see Deric and just leave him."

"How are you doing now?" Deric asked.

Caraline finally chose another option, which was to stay where she was with her eyes on the surface of the lake. She still did not want to talk to Deric at this time.

"You seem depressed lately," Deric said as he approached, placing his wheelchair next to the scooter Caraline was riding.

Caraline shifted a few steps, peering at Deric for a moment. The man beside her looked sweaty. Even so, she was reluctant to simply ask.

"What if we race around the lake? I think that might alleviate some of your current problems," Deric suggested.

Caraline shifted again, away from Deric. Her face turned to the side, her back half turned to the man.

Deric did not speak again after that. The man looked out over the lake and lost himself in the natural scenery. His hair seemed to fly in the wind.

Caraline couldn't help but look at Deric. Every few seconds, he