125. Queen street sign

He knew that only a keen eye would perceive it. The guilt of his fault was done and he couldn’t take it back. It had caused detrimental, rippling effects and had paralyzed his mind with the secret knowledge. He had never lied about it, and that fact helped him carry on, it was his under-the-radar behavior that went unnoticed. By the time he admitted to it, no one even remembered.

124. Happy kids truck

He carried his heavy heart wherever he went. Vibrant memories once so easily recalled were lost in the shadowy corners of his mind. He started to depend on false ideals to retrieve him from the depths to which he had become accustomed. A momentary smile, even a faked one, would propel him through the day. He grimaced for all to see. Then he met her and it came naturally.

123. Couple on street

The change was imperceptible. Unspoken between them, their thoughts crossed and converged. What was a potential connection was now an absolute attachment. To say whether love would come was difficult, they both felt it germinating but their hindrances detracted them from admitting it, to themselves or one another. And so the dance began.