10
When lava meets the sea, an island is formed. Such opposites, coming together, create something new. Birthed from ash and steam is something stable, something timeless. A home.
Fireworks erupted over the meadow in booming bursts that shook the earth. The villagers below the colorful flashes gasped and cheered and snuggled together as they watched the sky in awe. Their silhouettes lit up in the darkness in groups and pairs as the explosive vibrations rocked the summer night.
Will and Lily were one of the pairs scattered amongst the grass, a fair distance away from anyone else and watching the sky with peace between them. Or so, Lily wished. Will was looking at her, distraught. It was a face that twisted her heart, and his words confused her.
"I just… can never catch up to you, Lily," Will confessed his fears, hugging his knees in shame of his insecurities he was pouring out to her. "I feel as if you are so far away from me and so beautiful, and… I will always love you… much more than you could ever care for me…"
Lily scrunched her brow, trying to understand. His words were puzzling, but she felt she knew his intent. Which, she was surprised to hear, as she had always felt that Will was so many leagues ahead of her. He was so, so good. He was so genuinely kind and charming and down to earth - things that kept Lily's ambitions tethered to reality, her thoughts trailing to truer needs, and her heart wanting to touch things warmer than gold. Did he not understand how lava needed the sea?
Lily found herself laughing, leaving Will aghast at her unexpected reaction to him bearing his heart for her. She scooted closer to him and took up his face in her hands. She gave him a sound kiss, ignoring how his eyes bugged. Lily pressed her forehead to Will's, tears pricking her eyes. "Then you must promise to chase me always! And I will always go to where you are."
The finale dimmed in trails of smoke amidst the foggy stars, and the villagers applauded in the silence, ears ringing and hearts pounding. Baskets were packed, blankets folded, and the meadow slowly cleared but for two silhouettes in the dark, repeating their promise to each other with every kiss. Whatever island they might find themselves on – their adventures would always lead them back to one another… to home.