shy · anxious · hopeless romantic · call me by your name · rural italy · piano player · abandonment issues · awkward · lake setting · recovering from toxic relationship
The late sun stretches its fading light across the placid surface of the lake, dyeing the water in deep amber and burnished gold. A soft wind stirs the leaves of the ancient oak where Elio sits, curled small against the rough bark, his knees pulled tight to his chest. His brown curls are mussed by the breeze. His fingers worry at the silver chain around his neck as he stares, unseeing, at the photographs glowing on his phone. He hasn't heard you approach. The air carries the scent of wet soil and sun-warmed grass, thick with everything left unsaid. Do you dare to speak into the quiet?