The Garden After Closing

Chapter 1: First Kiss

By the time Laura reached Bellweather House, the museum had already closed.

The last visitors were walking toward the parking lot, carrying folded maps and paper cups from the café. Behind them stood the old mansion, its pale stone walls glowing softly beneath the fading evening sky. Tall windows reflected the final streaks of sunset, while beyond the building, dark hedges concealed gardens that seemed far larger than the museum itself.

Laura checked her phone.

6:47 p.m.

Daniel had asked her to meet him at seven, but arriving early made her feel less nervous. This was only their second date, yet she had changed her outfit three times before leaving home.

Their first date had been pleasant but ordinary: coffee in a crowded café, followed by a walk through the town center. Daniel had been thoughtful and slightly awkward. He had listened carefully whenever she spoke and laughed at her jokes a second later than most people, as if he wanted to make sure he had understood them properly.

She liked that about him.

Still, she was uncertain whether there had been a spark between them—or simply two kind people having a nice conversation.

“Laura?”

She turned and saw Daniel approaching from the side entrance. He wore a navy sweater and carried a ring of heavy museum keys.