Beyond Coincidence

The sun filtered through the lattice roof of the Garden Pavilion, casting soft shadows over the team as they moved with focused precision.

“Alright,” Kira said, clapping her hands lightly, “time to make this place sing.”

Lyra nodded, mentally pulling herself into the task.

Yet, beneath the busy surface, her mind kept circling back. Why now? Why him? Her fingers adjusted the hem of a fabric swat