#Chapter 56: Moonlit Roses

Celeste The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver sheen over the athletic fields. The grass seemed to shimmer in response, every blade reflecting the gentle glow of the night. Matt and I halted in our tracks, both captivated by the serenity of the moment. The moon, our only companion, was slowly inching its way upwards, painting everything beneath it in pale hues. The distant chatter of students walking home from the hockey game and the sound of the fine layer of snow crunching beneath our feet created an intimate symphony. As we walked, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for moments like this—moments of simplicity and tranquility. No questions, no lies. If I really concentrated, I could pretend that the mask wasn’t here, lingering between us. Suddenly, a distant howl pierced the air, echoing throughout the fields. It sounded so unnatural, so eerie and unlike any animal I had heard before, that I couldn’t help but jump, startled by the unfamiliar noise. Mat