Chapter 2

The weekend slipped by in a haze of easy rhythm and shared sunlight. Saturday dawned crisp and clear, the kind of North Shore morning that begged to be spent outdoors. Elise and Rob packed light backpacks, laced up their hiking boots, and drove north toward Eagle Bluffs. The trail wound through dense forest and rocky outcrops, the air sharp with pine and salt from the distant inlet. They moved at a comfortable pace, Rob’s longer stride setting an easy rhythm, Elise’s petite frame bouncing along beside him with that wiry energy she always carried. They paused at viewpoints where the city sprawled far below like a glittering toy set, shared water and trail mix, and stole quick kisses when no one else was around. By late afternoon they were pleasantly tired, legs aching in the best way, and they treated themselves to a quiet dinner at their favourite little Italian place tucked off a side street, simple pasta, a bottle of Chianti, candlelight flickering across Elise’s face as she laughed at Rob’s terrible impressions of the trail’s steep sections. They came home sated and sleepy, falling into bed with lazy, affectionate touches rather than the usual fire.

Sunday morning arrived softer, the cul-de-sac bathed in gentle light. Elise slipped into the front yard after breakfast, wearing old denim shorts that hugged her slim hips and a loose tank top that showed the delicate lines of her collarbones and the subtle swell of her small breasts. Her dark hair was twisted up in a messy bun, a few strands escaping to brush her neck as she knelt in the flowerbeds, gloves on, trowel in hand, carefully teasing weeds from around the hydrangeas she’d planted last spring. The soil was cool and damp under her fingers, the faint scent of earth and blooming roses filling the air.