Chapter 31 - The Autumn Festival
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The local community Autumn Festival was a chaotic, joyful explosion of orange pumpkins, hot apple cider, and screaming children. I walked through the crowded park with Samuel, who was currently on a highly focused, critical mission to find the absolute largest pumpkin in the entire field.
To my surprise, I spotted Leo the mechanic leaning against a wooden fence near the petting zoo, holding a cup of coffee. He looked different outside of our dusty garage—relaxed, handsome in a worn flannel shirt, without the permanent smudges of grease on his face.
Samuel saw him instantly and took off running.
“Mr. Leo! Mr. Leo!” Samuel yelled, practically tackling the tall man’s legs.
Leo laughed, a deep, rich sound, and effortlessly scooped Samuel up, swinging him high onto his shoulders.
“Hey there, Sammy,” Leo grinned. “Are you here to wrangle some pumpkins, or are you just trying to steal all the apple cider donuts?”
I walked over, feeling a sudden, unexpected flutter of nervousness in my chest.
“Hello, Leo. I didn't expect to see you here,” I said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
“My sister runs the face-painting booth over there,” Leo explained, gesturing with his coffee cup. “I got roped into helping set up the tents this morning. It’s good to see you out of the office, Nora.”
We spent the next two hours walking through the festival together. Leo was incredibly patient with Samuel, answering his endless barrage of questions about tractors, animals, and how engines worked. I watched them interact, and for the first time since Gabriel died, I didn't feel a sharp, agonizing pang of guilt when I smiled at another man.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden, crisp light over the autumn trees, Leo bought us all hot chocolate.
“He’s a great kid, Nora,” Leo said quietly, watching Samuel try to balance a small pumpkin on his head. “You’ve done an amazing job raising him.”
“I’ve had a lot of help,” I admitted, looking down at my steaming cup.
“You know,” Leo said softly, his green eyes meeting mine with genuine sincerity. “The motorcycle is almost finished. But when it’s done... I’d really like to take you out for dinner sometime. If you’re open to it.”
May you like
I looked at this kind, patient man who had spent months carefully restoring a broken piece of my past. I realized that my heart, which had been locked away in a fortress of grief for so long, was finally ready to crack the door open.
“I’d really like that, Leo,” I smiled.
