My lips tightened into a line, and my eyes welled with tears. I had forgotten how to cry.

Ansel held my hand in his and put his other on my shoulder. We created a pleasant circle within us. A sob escaped me and it was over, like a blindfold had been gently lifted from my eyes. I felt at peace, as if the whole business with Raoul and Victorine had never happened.

Still embraced by this stranger, I closed my eyes tightly, straining the skin around them. I imagined the beach, the swift, salty breeze pelting my skin, and the soft feel of sand under my bare feet, and it felt good.

I opened my eyes to the sight of Ansel letting go of my hand. I couldn’t feel it, I was numb.

What just happened?

“I think you’ll be okay,” Ansel said, turning away from me, continuing along the sidewalk. He blended into the crowd, lost to my sight. I wanted to chase after him, but I couldn’t move. All I could do was stand and watch him dissapear.