Adeline told me to close my eyes.
At first, I laughed because I honestly thought she was joking. “What? Why?” I asked, trying not to smile too much, but failing. It felt strange, that tiny lift in my chest. It had been forever since something made me smile without force.
“It’s a surprise, remember?” she said, and I could hear the excitement in her voice.
I rolled my eyes even though she couldn’t see it. “Better don’t let me trip,” I warned her, half-joking, half-serious. Knowing me, I would probably face-plant on the grass and break my rib.
“You won’t fall, don’t worry,” she said, already giggling. “Noww… okay, move to your left…”
Her hand rested on my arm, light but steady, and I let her lead me.
“Few steps more,” she said. “One…. two…. three… and… stop!”
I could hear her smile. I
