Page 120 of Light My Fire Three Times
Not when there’s still something in me that wants to fight for her. Fight for us.
Make it right, Leo. You can still make it right.
As I continue to watch, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts, the procession leads them toward the town square, where the lantern walk reaches its grand finale.
The street opens up to a large, snow-covered plaza, where everyone gathers with their countless lanterns, forming a semi-circle around a towering bonfire at the center, its flames crackling against the night sky.
The trees lining the square are adorned with twinkling lights, their branches swaying gently in the evening breeze.
The lanterns, hundreds of them, are being lifted into the air by eager hands, floating slowly toward the heavens, rising like stars.
The soft hum of the crowd’s voices fills the space as they watch the lanterns ascend, the glow from each one adding to the sense of wonder.
And I can see it all clearly now. Olivia is standing there, holding a lantern with both hands, her eyes wide with the same awe as everyone else.
She’s caught in the magic of the moment, the flickering flames lighting her face in a way that almost makes her look ethereal.
Along with everyone else, she lifts her lantern high, and at the same time as Jesse and Karl, they let go.
Their glowing orbs rise slowly into the sky, joining the others, becoming part of that constellation of light. They float higher, higher, until they are little more than specks against the dark, their soft glow disappearing into the night.
The town square feels like it’s frozen in time, the lanterns floating up like wishes being carried on the wind. And as I watch them disappear into the stars, I feel a sharp ache in my chest.
A pang of loss. A pang of regret.
But I won’t let this be the end of it. Not tonight.
I back away, headed home, knowing what I need to do.
But with every step I take, I wonder if it’s too late.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Olivia
DECEMBER 20TH
“Okay, Karl, you were right.”I throw my hands in the air in surrender. “The Winter Solstice Lantern Walk was magical. Ending in the Christmas Market… genius.”
He chuckles and hands me a hot chocolate. “I knew you’d love it.”
And honestly, I did.
It was hard not to, with all those glowing lanterns lighting up the night sky, and the cold winter air mixing with the cinnamon and pine in the breeze.
It looks like something out of a postcard. Complete with the soft murmur of voices and the scent of mulled wine.
It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.
“Even I kinda like it,” Jesse jokes. “And I amnotusually sentimental. But are you still alright, Livvy? Don’t get too exhausted.”
I roll my eyes, even though the protectiveness is kinda cute. “I’m good, don’t worry…”
Buzz.
I frown and grab my phone, the text flooding my screen.
Leo?
