The city lights loomed before Lily as she stood on the edge of Ethan's penthouse balcony, a never-ending ocean of opportunities and dangers. Even though the chilly night air felt good on her skin, it couldn't stop the tempest that was brewing inside of her. She relived Ethan's earlier confessions, each word tinged with a mixture of danger and caution. She was finding that trust was a valuable resource that she could not afford to waste carelessly.
Ethan moved cautiously but purposefully onto the balcony behind her. He put one of the two steaming tea cups he was holding on the little table next to her. "You're quiet," he said in a softer-than-normal voice.
With a detached tone, she answered, "I'm thinking." About all of the things you told me. Regarding what I am about to enter.
