picks his book back up He’ll be back in ten minutes.

Fifteen. He’s got more pride than sense.

You think she planned this?

turns a page I think she finally got tired of waiting.

exhales smoke slowly Good for her.

sat on the wooden bench beneath the wisteria, legs crossed, a bento box balanced on her lap. Beside her, a boy with shaggy hair and an easy smile was gesturing animatedly about something.