“Do you want me to—” Isobel asked in a small whisper, but she stopped when, shutting his eyes, Varen shook his head once.

“Thank you,” Madeline said then, ushering the girl ahead of her and leading her through the door.

The bells jangled a second time as the pair left, heading across the street.

Varen reopened his eyes and watched them the entire way, until they disappeared behind the tall brick walls girdling the condominiums.

Isobel sat silent, watching Varen intently, bracing herself for whatever his reaction would be.

“We could still catch them,” she whispered.

Varen looked away from the window and back to his mug. His brow knitted. He blinked slowly, jaw flexing. Then, at last, he spoke.

“There’s a beach,” he said, his voice half breath, “about an hour away. A cape, actually. Probably more rock than sand. And I know it’s cold, but do you want to go? Just to walk.” He nodded to the cake before finally looking up at her. “I’m finished. If . . . if you are.”

She tilted her head at him. “You mean you want to—”

“Make out at sunset?” he interrupted. “Yeah. I kind of do.”

Varen’s smile returned, though different from before. Sadder now, but . . . peaceful, as well. Satisfied, maybe.

“Weeell,” Isobel said. “In that case, yes, I do. And . . . yeah. I’m finished too.”