In the Shadow Of Memory

Chapter 29

The streets were quiet, blanketed in a soft layer of snow as Lucas and Mia walked side by side. It was the last week of December, and the air was crisp, their breath forming clouds as they spoke. The holiday lights from nearby houses twinkled in the evening, casting a warm glow over the snow. Everything felt peaceful, as if the world had slowed down for a moment.

Mia smiled as she looked around, her cheeks rosy from the cold. "This is kind of perfect," she said, nudging Lucas lightly with her shoulder.

"Yeah, it's nice to get out," Lucas replied, his eyes scanning the snowy street ahead. "Feels like a good way to wrap up the year."

Mia nodded, but as they walked, something mischievous sparked in her eyes. Without warning, she bent down, scooped up a handful of snow, and threw it at Lucas. It hit him square in the shoulder, leaving a white patch on his jacket.

Lucas blinked in surprise before grinning. "Oh, you're gonna regret that."

Before she could react, Lucas was already gathering snow, launching it right back at her. Mia squealed and ducked, but it hit her arm. She quickly retaliated, grabbing more snow and tossing it toward him, laughing as they both fell into an impromptu snowball fight.

The quiet street was filled with their laughter as snow flew back and forth. Mia darted behind a tree, peeking out just in time to see Lucas launching another snowball. She dodged it, barely, giggling as she scooped more snow into her hands.

"I thought you were supposed to be on my side!" she teased, throwing another snowball that hit him in the chest.

"Your side?" Lucas laughed, shaking snow from his hair. "This is war, Mia."

Mia's heart raced—not just from the fun but from the way Lucas smiled at her, his eyes sparkling with amusement. As she prepared her next snowball, she realized she was looking at him differently. There was something about the way he moved, the sound of his laugh, that made her stomach flutter. She felt the warmth creeping into her chest, a feeling she wasn't entirely sure how to handle.

She tried to ignore it, tried to keep the moment light, but every time their eyes met, she felt the butterflies stir. It became harder to look directly at him without feeling her heart race. She threw another snowball, laughing to distract herself, but deep down, she knew something had shifted.

After what felt like ages, they finally called a truce, both of them breathless from the fun. Mia dusted snow off her coat, still smiling as she tried to calm the racing in her chest.

"You wanna get something warm?" Lucas asked, nodding toward a nearby café.

"Yeah, I could use a break from the cold," Mia replied, grateful for the change in topic.

They walked to the café, the warmth inside welcoming them as they stepped through the door. The scent of coffee and pastries filled the air, and they found a small table near the window. After ordering hot drinks, they settled in, the playful energy from their snowball fight lingering between them.

Mia was just about to take a sip of her drink when she glanced out the window and froze. Across the street, she spotted the detective. Her heart skipped a beat, and without thinking, she quickly shoved Lucas under the table.

"Hey, what—" Lucas started to protest, but Mia cut him off with a frantic wave.

"Shh, the detective is here," she whispered, trying to make it look casual.

The detective walked into the café, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Mia. He raised an eyebrow and walked over, his gaze flicking to the two cups on the table.

"You with someone?" the detective asked, eyeing the extra cup.

Mia forced a smile, her mind racing. "Yeah, my friend. She's in the bathroom."

The detective nodded but didn't seem entirely convinced. He sat down in Lucas's seat, making the moment even more awkward. Mia kept glancing nervously toward the back of the café, hoping Lucas would stay hidden under the table.

"So," the detective started, his tone casual but probing, "I've been digging into that mystery again. I think I'm onto something."

Mia's stomach twisted. She didn't want to have this conversation, not now, not ever again. "I'm not interested anymore," she said quickly, trying to sound nonchalant. "I've moved on."

The detective frowned. "Really? You were pretty invested in it before."

Mia shrugged, stirring her drink. "Yeah, but that was a while ago. I've realized...Mason is in the past. I've moved on, and so should you."

The detective studied her for a moment, sensing her annoyance. "I see," he said slowly, though his expression showed he didn't quite believe her. After a tense silence, he stood up, clearly unsure of what to make of her sudden disinterest. "Well, if you change your mind..."

Mia forced another smile as he walked away, watching him disappear down the street. The second he was out of sight, she kicked Lucas under the table.

"Okay, he's gone."

Lucas scrambled out from his hiding spot, brushing himself off as he sat back down. "What was that about?"

Mia sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I just didn't want him asking questions. I told him I'm not interested in the mystery anymore."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Is that true?"

Mia hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "No, I lied. I don't want him solving it. I don't want him getting close."

Lucas frowned, his worry clear in the way his expression shifted. He didn't say anything, but Mia could tell he wasn't happy. As they sat there in silence, sipping their drinks, the weight of their situation hung between them.

Even if they tried to move on, the past wasn't going to let go that easily.