Wanderer Ghost

The Wanderer & Aesa'es

(The Wanderer knocks on Aesa'es door. She opens it, a warm but curious expression on her face. The late afternoon sun casts a golden glow behind her.)

Aesa'es: You're back early. How was your day?

The Wanderer: Finished fourth out of twelve. Hit 53.6 km/h.

Aesa'es: Impressive. You don't strike me as the competitive type.

The Wanderer: I didn't go there to win. Just to feel the moment, you know? The rush, the focus, the presence. It's rare to be completely in the now.

(Aesa'es leans against the doorframe, arms crossed, intrigued.)

Aesa'es: I get that. Some moments stand out. The rest just fades out... into routine.

(The Wanderer hesitates, then hands her a small blue monkey.)

(Aesa'es looks at the toy, surprised. A soft smile spreads across her lips.)

Aesa'es: That's really sweet of you.

Aesa'es: You okay?

The Wanderer: Yeah. Just… distracted.

Aesa'es: What's on your mind?

The Wanderer: Nothing I should say out loud.

(Aesa'es lets out a quiet laugh, shaking her head.)

Aesa'es: That's usually the most interesting kind of thought.

(The Wanderer chuckles, looking away for a second. The moment lingers between them, undefined but charged. Finally, he takes a step back.)

The Wanderer: I should go.

Aesa'es: Probably.

For a second, he considers staying. The idea of something more, something unspoken, tempts him. But he knows himself. And he knows her situation. He exhales, steadying himself.

He turns and walks away, feeling the weight of the moment settle inside him. Not regret. Not frustration. Just the quiet understanding that some things remain just out of reach. And maybe, for now, that was for the best.