Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 186

Chapter 186 The Everyday Warmth of Life 

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“Wow, I can’t believe I actually got to ski with the interstellar competition champ? And here I am, a total beginner. Guess I’ve got some clout after all,” Ava said with a grin. 

Mason reached over and ruffled her hair. By now, he was utterly convinced that Ava was really making an effort to meet him halfway in this relationship. 

They played around until the sky turned into dusk, and Ava had managed to get the hang of it without too many hiccups. 

Mason chuckled. “If you’re into it, Capitol Planet’s got a few private artificial ski resorts you could try next time.” 

Ava peeled off her skis, and she could feel her stomach starting to rumble like crazy. Mason even caught it, and she felt a little embarrassed. 

Mason grabbed her skis. “Come on, I’ll take you out for dinner.” 

Jalal, who had been waiting nearby, overheard and quickly offered to escort them. 

www 

On the way, Ava said, “Mr. Martin, can you show me a spot the locals actually go to? Nothing fancy, just good food with a bit of character. No tourist traps, please.” 

away, 

Jalal suggested a quiet little place halfway up the hill. The restaurant was small and tucked and he wisely didn’t crowd them. He found a corner table for himself and started chatting with some regulars. 

After dinner, Ava rubbed her full stomach. “Let’s take a walk and work this off. Mr. Martin, how long would it take to walk down from here?” 

“About ten minutes or so.” 

Ava thought for a moment. “Then, go ahead and wait for us down there. We’ll follow.” 

The two of them stepped out of the shop and followed the winding mountain road back the way they came. Orange streetlights lined the road, and beyond their faint glow, everything was just a sea of white. 

Ava stomped around in the snow, loving every second. She’d stomp a few times in a row, then drag her foot through it like a kid letting loose, completely carefree. 

Mason trailed behind her, watching and shaking his head with a smile. 

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Spotting a thick patch of snow beside her, Ava climbed onto a high step, spread her arms, and suddenly tipped backward, landing straight into the soft snow. 

Mason jumped at her sudden move, rushing over to pull her up. “You really are a little troublemaker,” he said. 

Ava blinked up at him. “I’ve never seen snow where I used to live, so of course it’s exciting.” 

She climbed back up on the step, leaned backward again, and left another imprint right next to the one she had just made. 

Mason rubbed his forehead, looking completely exasperated. 

After playing like that for a bit, she ran under a streetlight, struck a pose, and called out, “Take a picture of me!” 

Mason snapped a shot. Then, Ava stood on the step again, pointing at her freshly made snow marks. He took another picture of her. 

She was thrilled. “Hurry, send them to me!” she said. 

Mason sent her the photos. Ava picked a few and posted them with the caption, ‘Pluto trip, yay!‘ 

No sooner had she sent it than a message popped up on her Holoband. 

Ryan said, ‘You and Mason ran off that far? Really into the snow? You should’ve told me earlier. Next time, you’ve got to take me with you! 

Ethan said, ‘Have fun!‘ 

Keith said, ‘Seeing you this happy makes me happy too. Can’t wait for our next date.’ 

Mason watched her, head down, typing out replies. He glanced at the Holoband and saw their messages, then just smirked. 

As they were almost at the street corner, Ava looked ahead. The city lights stretched out like a river of warmth in the night. Kids were chasing each other and laughing on the road. She stood there for a moment and snapped a picture. 

After taking the photo, Ava showed it to Mason. “Doesn’t it have a nice vibe?” 

Mason looked at it and complimented her. “Nice shot. You studied photography?” 

“Just a little,” Ava said. “I love this kind of atmosphere, the everyday warmth of life. When I used to live with my grandpa in a small town on Alamut Planet, it was like this too. There was a winding road up the mountain, and the houses at the base weren’t tall, just modest. At night, every home lit up. I’d finish evening classes and walk with my classmates. No matter the 

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weather, every time I got close to this spot, I could see my grandpa waiting at the corner…” 

Mason watched her as she spoke. Her eyes shone when talking about the past, and even a day that seemed ordinary looked like happiness through her eyes. 

“The warmth your grandpa gave you was your haven. I want to be that for you, too,” Mason said softly, eyes lowered, staring at her. “Ava…” 

He moved closer, and his head was inching toward hers. 

Ava looked at him, blinked once, and tilted her head to the side. 

Mason paused, then smiled. “You’re really hard to read.” 

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