#rivervale_lodge

She props her chin on her hand. "You light up when you talk about Nadeen," she says quietly.

"Well, she's my friend."

"I'm your friend. But I'm pretty sure you don't light up like that when you talk about stuff I've said."

Brow furrowed.

"I dunno."

"...I like talking about Symon, too?"

"Yeah...but you don't that much."

Sigh. "He's been so busy I hardly see him anymore."

"Yeah. Huh. Maybe we should make a point of getting together and doing something."

She nods. "Agreed. Drag him out of the house."

"Yeah." A sigh and a stretch. "Hey, I promised Colton I'd give him a call. So I'm gonna...." She nods towards the stairs.

"Sure. Night, Sylvi. I should head home."

"Okay. See you at school."

She heads upstairs. "And say hi to your folks for me."

"Sure." A wave, and she heads out.

And a shadow pops up along the path, suddenly separating a bit of darkness from the rest.