Destiny

• Isabelle Bray, Grade 10
• Short Story
• 2019

Heartbeats clung to their lungs as they looked each other dead in the eye. Their eyes slowly opened wider as they watched each other. He noticed her gentle breathing, her tumbling hair, her slight eye twitches. She noticed his dampened lips, the sweat gleaming on his neck, the way his hair stuck uncomfortably close to his eyes. Suddenly awareness built up inside her, and she realised how bright his torch was. Hers was almost out, so it was alarming how different the beams were. His breathing was far more rushed than hers, and considering his rather wet appearance, she assumed he’d definitely been exerting himself in some way - perhaps running? But... the longer she gazed at him... the more she realised how perfect his face was. And how smitten she’d become, in a matter of seconds. “Who are you...?” He barely uttered the words. They swirled from his lips towards her like mist. She’d forgotten her name... but she hadn’t forgotten her voice.