Chapter 13

The sky had been clear all day with not a cloud in sight. But by evening, heavy storm clouds had rolled in without warning. Thunder cracked loudly overhead, and moments later, rain came down in sheets. Kayla clutched the sketch paper she had bought from a shop on Roman Street close to her chest, shielding it from the rain as she rushed toward the studio. She shook the water off her coat and pushed open the door, only to stop in her tracks. Inside the dim studio, candlelight flickered gently. On the table sat a lopsided vanilla cake, its frosting uneven and charmingly amateur. Next to it were a few familiar-looking home-cooked dishes. They didn't look great, but it was clear someone had put real effort into them. "Happy birthday," Ned said as he stepped out from behind the door, holding a sleek, boxed fountain pen. The glow from the candles softened the lines of his face, giving him a warm, boyish look. Kayla stood frozen, her throat tightening. It had been years since anyone c