#Chapter 88: The Boy Who Played

Agnes The comedy show ended sooner than I wanted it to, the overhead lights coming on like a sudden burst of sunlight. I jolted upright, blinking rapidly and suddenly realizing that I had spent the better part of the show leaning against Elijah’s shoulder. “We should probably head out,” he said, clearing his throat as he gently pulled away. I nodded. My cheeks were flushed red from the realization, and I hoped it came across like it was just the wine getting to me. Thankfully, if Elijah noticed, he didn’t mention it. But as we headed out into the cool night air, it became clear that neither of us was quite ready to end the night. Before I knew it, we were wandering the city streets without direction, our shoulders bumping every few steps. Then Elijah’s steps slowed, his eyes catching on a nearby shop window—no, not a shop, but an arcade. The vintage machines glowed in the dim light, the neon signs indicating that the place was still open despite the late h