Summer kills
Per Square 1.10

As days turned into weeks and weeks rolled into months, Ruby filled her existence with the responsibilities of her world. She attended charity events with impeccable panache, hosted grand soirées that reflected the high notes of her wealth, and maintained her family's business empire with an iron hand cloaked in a velvet glove. Yet, every night, she sought solace in their shared sanctuary, each sip of Merlot that passed her lips was a silent prayer for his return. Each dawn that stretched its rosy fingers across the mansion walls was a day closer to seeing the lilies bloom again by the mirrored pool.

In between these solitary nights and wrapped-up days, Ruby found moments of quiet reflection; moments when she allowed herself to feel the full force of her longing. She could hear him in the laughter that bubbled up during exquisite garden parties, could see him in every sharp-suited gentleman who walked through her grand halls.

And so she waited, the rhythm of her life punctuated by the sound of clinking glasses and whispered toasts - "To us". His presence bled into every corner of her existence - in sun-dappled gardens, in the rich textures of satin sheets, in half- drunk cups of coffee on chilly mornings.

Then came a day when signs of spring started to color Ruby's world once more. The bare branches of trees began to bloom with delicate blossoms; tiny buds sprouted along garden trails; and there it was the first bud on a lily stalk by their mirrored pool. Her heart fluttered like a trapped bird against her chest at the sight.

Days turned into weeks again as Ruby watched the garden transform under nature's touch. She nurtured each lily bud with care - watering them at dawn, whispering promises at dusk. It became her ritual, born out of longing but nurtured with hope.

One morning, she woke up to find a lone lily had bloomed in the soft light of dawn - its white petals unfurling like a lover's promise. Ruby knew then, it was time. His return was imminent.

Excitement danced like champagne bubbles in her veins. She ordered the servants to prepare his favorite meals, to scent the mansion with woodland pine and sea salt, to play melodies that once echoed in their shared laughter. Each setting sun brought with it a restlessness, each rising moon a string of unsaid prayers. She watched from her balcony as days turned into nights, as lilies continued to bloom by the mirrored pool, each one a testament to their love. It was on one such moonlit night when a familiar silhouette appeared at the far end of the garden. Her breath hitched as she recognized his gait - confident yet humble, much like the man himself. Tears welled up in her eyes, not of sorrow but relief. For he had returned, just as the lilies bloomed again by their mirrored pool.

His voice echoed through the empty halls, resonating with a familiarity that tugged at her heartstrings. "Ruby," he called out, his voice seeking her out in every corner of their shared sanctuary. And she responded, descending down the stairs with an elegance that matched her beauty - anticipation and hope reflecting in her eyes.

His arms spread open wide waiting to hold her again; hers clenched tight

around the folds of her evening gown, clutching at the fabric as if it was her only lifeline. He looked the same, yet different; older, yes, but with an aura of wisdom that his youthful arrogance lacked before. His eyes held a warmth that flowed like a soothing balm over her anticipation-soaked nerves.

"Calvin," she whispered his name into the silence, each syllable lingering in the air like an unfinished melody. His lips curved into a tender smile at her call, and for a moment everything stood still.

She crossed the final few steps separating them in a daze, her heart pounding in sync with the rhythmic beat of their past echoing against the marble walls. As she neared him, he extended his hands towards her. In his grasp was a single lily, its white petals shivering in the moonlight - a symbol of their promise.

"Ruby," he started, holding up the lily to her, "I promised I would return when the lilies bloom again." His voice trembled slightly as he continued, "And so here I am."

A tear slipped down Ruby's cheek as she accepted his offering. Her gaze met his and they shared a silent conversation - one that expressed more than words ever could.

The weeks he had been away seemed to melt away as he pulled her into his arms, whispering soothing words into her ear. His cologne was a mix of the woodland pine and sea salt she'd asked the servants to permeate through their shared sanctuary. The melody they once swayed to played softly in their backdrop.

And so they danced again - their bodies swaying to their rhythm under the soft glow of moonlight, their shared song echoing across their world. The music seemed to reflect off every corner of their existence - mingling with hushed whispers and soft laughter.

She pulled back from his embrace, looking into his eyes, her own glistening with unshed tears. "You came back...," she whispered, a soft smile playing on her lips.

He nodded, pulling her close once more, his hand resting gently at the small of her back. "I made a promise," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I always keep my promises."

As they danced into the night underneath the glow of the moon, their world seemed to fall back into its old rhythm - poised, yet pulsating with life and love. For he was home again, bound by a promise, kept with a blooming lily. Their mirrored pool reflected their dance - an image of unity and the soft rustle of lilies that sang in chorus: "He is back."