New Spring

Paris in spring is rather nice. Afternoons, mild. The air is easy to swallow.

Mornings are crisp.

The light hits buildings in this creamy, honeyed way, making it feel unreal. Flowers? Well, that’s the best part. There are so many darn flowers.

Nadia and Leon sat at a small metal table outside a cafe on a street front. There was so much noise, but it was harmonious.

They sat eating almond croissants and creamy coffee.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had a moment like this,” Nadia said.

“Yeah, the weather’s been terrible the past couple weeks. Today seems like a little island of good…” Leon said.

Nadia smiled and made a little noise in agreement.

Xiao Mei had been back in China with her parents figuring out what life meant next for her, but Leon was here in Paris now.

He had moved here after finishing his degree, so things weren’t lonely. Actually, they had been quite good.

Nadia and Leon walked the streets, little cherry blossom leaves falling to the ground. The sun on their necks. They were holding hands.