Chapter 4 — Riverside Collision

Lydia

The air in Riverside Park hung thick with the golden warmth of late afternoon, the sunlight stretching across the open fields like liquid amber. Laughter floated from the cluster of people gathered near the picnic tables, a lighthearted melody that seemed to echo just beyond my reach. I stayed on the edge of the gathering, my hands tucked into the pockets of my leather jacket as I scanned the scene, avoiding eye contact with anyone who might pull me into casual conversation.