“I saw the whole thing!” Ember squealed after closing the storage closet door. “I saw you and the mayor’s son making lip on lip contact! You can’t deny it now!”

“Shh!” I put my finger to her lips, my heart wildly beating in my chest. “Do you want the entirety of Luton Hollow to hear you?”

“Sorry,” she giggled. “But come on, you have to tell me everything!”

“Ok, I will! But you better promise not to tell anyone!”

“I won’t! I swear on the Emerson Floral Shop!” She held three fingers up, like pleading an oath. “Now come on, tell me!”

I took a breath and began.

“It all began when I was getting ready to close for the night.” I grinned excitedly as I begin to tell my story. “I was preparing deliveries for the next day, dusting the floors, when I see Avion tapping on the front door.”

Ember grabs my hands in hers, ready to explode with excitement.

“I let him in, and he tells me he left a small pouch of gold on one of the nearby shelves. I go and check every nook and cranny to find it, and as soon as I do, he turned me around and kisses me full on the lips!”

“I’m so happy for you!” Ember cheered.

I feel like a little girl again, gossiping about every small thing, hiding around in secret. It was almost comforting sharing her experiences with Ember, one of the very few accepting people in the village.

After our fit of enthusiasm, Ember’s face becomes solemn. “Look, I know things are going to be difficult for the two of you. There will be conflicts, fights, and on top of that, you have to keep this a secret from everyone,” Ember said, “but just remember, as your friend, I will always be rooting for you.”

I smiled.

I could have the entire world against me, but as long as I had Ember, I wouldn’t care.

For she is my light.