The late afternoon sun warmed Amelia's face as she strolled through the farmer's market. A basket swung jauntily from her arm, already filled with plump peaches and a crusty baguette. She hummed a little tune, the melody bubbling up from some deep, untroubled place inside. Seeing Liam across the crowded stalls, she waved, her smile bright.
"Liam! Perfect timing," she called, her voice light and easy. "I was just about to grab some flowers for the table." Liam, usually impeccably dressed, was wearing a faded band t-shirt and jeans that looked several sizes too big. He seemed… out of place.
He smiled back, a little tight around the edges. "Hey, Amelia. Fancy seeing you here." His eyes darted around, avoiding hers. "Listen, I, uh, have to run. Saw something I needed over there. Gotta go." He pointed vaguely toward a stall selling handcrafted birdhouses.
A small frown creased Amelia's brow. "But...aren't you supposed to be at the office?" She remembered hearing a story about his demanding corporate job.
He rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, well... things are flexible, you know? Gotta go!" He turned, hurrying away with a speed that seemed almost frantic. Amelia watched him go, a sense of unease starting to ripple through her until now blissful state. Her smile faltered, the sunshine feeling suddenly less potent.