Chapter 52

Aiden's gaze lingered on my face for what felt like forever before his head gave a slight shake and a nod.

His expression conveyed hesitation, but also understanding at the same time.

“Where do you want to go?” he asked, his hands inside his pockets and a skeptical expression on his face. His gaze bore deep into mine, as if searching for an answer to the question.

I stood there for what felt like an eternity, feeling uneasy yet unable to look away from his persistent stare. Finally he broke the eye contact, leaving me with a lingering sense of trepidation. With my mind racing from the intensity of our exchange all I could do was look around to find a place I wanted to go.

“What’s that?” I inquired lightly, nudging my head towards a spot where a number of children were standing and laughing. They seemed to be deeply immersed in some kind of fabric that shapes like a cloud.

“Cotton candy stall.”

I gave him a quizzical look, tilting my head at an angle as if to prompt him to explain. Aid