The walk was mostly silent. Inna had tried to keep distance between them, but found herself drifting closer and closer, stealing glances at Elliot when she felt it safe.
He was handsome and polite, and while she felt as ease, her heart wouldn't settle, beating with fervor.
She wondered if he could hear it.
Sinister clouds had begun to roll in from the horizon, looming over South Harbor with the promise of rain.
"You'd said that you've been away?" Elliot inquired as they began to double back.
"Until a few months ago, I lived in Italy," She forced from herself, remembering what John had told her. "A convent."
He nodded, a strange expression creasing his brow, as though he were remembering something.
"Why did you come back?"
"I don't know, Elliot," She answered, tone more defensive than she would've liked. When Inna turned to him, he appeared apologetic, but said nothing.
"I'm sorry," She murmured, and Elliot slowed.
"No, I shouldn't have been prying."
They walked on, until the cobblestone steps that lead down to the shore came into view. She felt a twinge of disappointment.
"I should be getting home, before it rains."
"Yes, you should." His voice was sad, a reflection of her own. They stopped, faced each other, and Inna fought against the pink rising to her cheeks. "You're blushing," He said through a smile, and offered his hand once more. She only stared.
"Do not be afraid of me."
She shook his hand, studying the face she knew from somewhere...
When the contact broke and the girl moved to leave, Elliot reached for her shoulder, gently touching her.
"Perhaps, we could see one another again."