At first I think Hazel is done talking, but she's not.
"Four," She starts, "I believe that we all have things we hide deep down inside. Things that hurt so bad that we think people will turn away if we show our pain." Inhales. Exhales. "We've got something beautiful, but it's been broken."
"Shattered stars." I say under my breath.
"Yeah," She breathes, reaching for my hand. "And hidden scars." The touch shocks me, and I recoil my hand in reflex.
"I'm sorry, I just—,"
"Shhh… It's okay." Hazel says with a half-smile.
The intercom crackles, and the pilot announces that we are beginning our descent.
"Hey," I look up at her, "Thank you. For everything."
"Anytime, Four."
"Tobias. It's Tobias."
Hazel grins, "Tobias."
As she walks off the airplane, I watch her go.
Thin, small frame.
Well-worn converse.
Crystal blue eyes.
And I wonder if, maybe, we choose to keep them.
Maybe shattered stars and hidden scars are shadows of love.