I'm gonna take what comes my way
Marcus took the paper-wrapped sweet with a murmured thanks and a few coins. Syrup soaked through the bottom almost immediately, sticky against his fingers. He bit in and welcomed the bright rush of sweetness, the way it cut cleanly through the sour knot still lingering in his chest. He walked as he ate, angling back toward the bonfire’s glow. Each bite steadied him a little more, grounding him in taste and texture instead of thought.
Chew, swallow, step.
Repeat.
Heat built as he drew closer to the center. Marcus slowed, watching offerings arc into the blaze, listening to prayers half-spoken and half-sung. For a moment he let himself simply exist among them without expectations, no missed timing, just another body in the shared orbit of firelight.
A darting figure moving towards another sweets stand caught his attention, and his heart knocked against his sternum with a fluttering shake. It was Nova. Relief flickered, small but genuine. He lifted his free hand and waved, syrup-glossed fingers and all, a crooked, hopeful grin following a heartbeat later.
Chew, swallow, step.
Repeat.
Heat built as he drew closer to the center. Marcus slowed, watching offerings arc into the blaze, listening to prayers half-spoken and half-sung. For a moment he let himself simply exist among them without expectations, no missed timing, just another body in the shared orbit of firelight.
A darting figure moving towards another sweets stand caught his attention, and his heart knocked against his sternum with a fluttering shake. It was Nova. Relief flickered, small but genuine. He lifted his free hand and waved, syrup-glossed fingers and all, a crooked, hopeful grin following a heartbeat later.
Marcus
