They met under sweeping branches as the morning haze softened the hills, arm-in-arm with the friends who steadied their nerves and sparked their laughter.
Her Kandyan saree shimmered with beadwork; orchids tucked into her bun, she looked up and the whole group fell into an easy walk, bouquets bouncing, jokes flowing.
Sunbeams broke through the trees for a quiet pause—three sisters in spirit at her side—before the couple slipped away for a stolen moment, palms linked, promises exchanged in glances.
They turned down the path toward tomorrow; he looked ahead, she glanced back with a smile that said everything.
August 6, 2023