My hero

Image by VĂN HỒNG PHÚC BÙI from Pixabay

Sarah walked along the riverbank, the setting sun casting a warm glow across the rippling water. She often came here to clear her head, but today her thoughts kept returning to David. They had been friends for years, but recently something had changed between them. Their playful banter now held an undercurrent of intimacy, their embraces lingering just a beat too long.

Part of her thrilled at this new dynamic while another part resisted, afraid to ruin the friendship they’d built. But when David looked at her with those gentle blue eyes, her reservations melted away.

Lost in thought, Sarah didn't notice the tree root protruding from the path. Her foot caught and she stumbled forward, bracing for impact. But strong arms wrapped around her, breaking her fall. David had appeared as if from nowhere.

"Careful there," he said, his face inches from hers. Sarah’s heart hammered in her chest.

"My hero," she whispered. They stood frozen for a moment, neither wanting to sever the contact.

Sarah found her voice first. "David, I...I think I’m falling for you."

He smiled, brushing a stray hair from her face. "I was hoping you'd say that. I've been falling for you since the day we met."

Sarah joyfully tilted her face towards his. But before their lips could meet, a flash of lightning arced across the darkening sky. They sprang apart as the heavens opened up, drenching them in seconds.

Laughing, they raced hand-in-hand down the riverbank, soaked clothes clinging to their skin. They took shelter under a stone bridge, catching their breath in each other's arms.

David gently lifted Sarah’s chin. "Now, where were we?" he murmured.

Their kiss was sweet and unhurried, neither noticing the rain still streaming down around them. They had eyes only for each other.

This moment on the riverbank changed everything between them. What had begun as friendship was now blossoming into love. The future was uncertain, but they would face it together.