Infectious smile

The quiet streets of Willow Creek are peaceful as ever. Marie is tending to her garden while humming a soft tune, while April sketches under a tree nearby.

Suddenly, a moving van catches April's attention. She glances up, noticing Clara stepping out of it, her eyes widening with curiosity.

Marie notices April's reaction and follows her gaze, smiling knowingly as she continues watering her plants.

Clara waves enthusiastically at the two women watching her, her bright smile lighting up the scene. April quickly looks back down at her sketchbook, trying to appear uninterested.

Marie chuckles softly, calling out to Clara with a warm welcome. "Hello dear! Welcome to Willow Creek!"

Clara approaches Marie's garden with an eager stride, while April pretends to be absorbed in her drawing, stealing glances at the newcomer.

Marie wipes her hands on her apron, studying Clara's joyful expression with interest. "I'm Marie. And this brooding artist over there is April."

Clara extends her hand to Marie, her eyes sparkling with genuine friendliness. "I'm Clara! I just moved here from the city. Everything's so beautiful in this town!"

April can't help but look up at Clara's cheerful introduction, though she quickly averts her gaze again when Clara glances her way.

Marie notices April's subtle reaction and smiles knowingly, patting the bench beside her. "Would you like to sit with us, dear? We could use some fresh energy around here."

April shifts uncomfortably, muttering under her breath. "She seems... way too cheerful for this place."

Clara sits beside Marie, her attention still on April who's pretending not to care. "Oh, I love your art! The detail in those shadows is amazing."

Marie nudges April gently. "Go on, show her what you've been working on. She has excellent taste."

April hesitates, her fingers tightening around her pencil. The drawing shows a vibrant forest scene, complete with detailed trees and mysterious shadows.

Clara leans forward, her eyes lighting up with genuine appreciation. "That's incredible! The way you capture the atmosphere... it's like I can almost feel the magic in these woods."

April finally looks up at Clara, caught off guard by her sincere compliment. A faint blush colors her cheeks as she struggles to maintain her cool facade.

Marie watches with amusement as the tension shifts, knowing something significant is happening between the two young women.

April's voice comes out slightly softer than intended. "Thanks... I've been working on that for weeks."

Clara beams at her response, completely unaware of April's usual guarded demeanor. "Weeks? That's amazing dedication! I wish I could draw like that."

April finds herself relaxing slightly in Clara's presence, her walls starting to crack. The afternoon sun catches Clara's hair as she admires April's art.

Marie quietly excuses herself to tend to some herbs, giving them a moment alone together.

Clara shifts closer to April, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, April... what else do you like doing around here? Any secret spots you know about?"

The air feels charged with an unexpected energy as their shoulders nearly touch on the bench.

April maintains her cool demeanor, though her heart races slightly at Clara's proximity. "There's a nice trail through the woods that leads to a waterfall."

She keeps her tone casual, but her fingers fidget with her pencil, betraying her nerves.

Clara's face lights up at the mention of the waterfall. "That sounds perfect! Would you... would you maybe want to show me sometime?"

The question hangs in the air, and April can feel Marie watching them from afar with a knowing smile.

April's breath catches slightly, her usual confident composure wavering. She's never felt this way about anyone before.

After a moment of hesitation, she nods slowly. "Yeah... I could show you tomorrow morning."

Clara practically bounces in her seat, her enthusiasm infectious. She clasps her hands together excitedly.

The afternoon sun illuminates her face as she grins at April. "I can't wait! Thank you so much, April. You're the best!"

Marie returns from her herb gathering, observing the blossoming connection between the two women with a soft smile.

Clara stands up, smoothing her skirt. "I should probably go unpack. But I'll see you tomorrow bright and early!"

As Clara waves goodbye and heads toward her new house, April remains seated, her mind racing with thoughts of tomorrow.

Marie sits beside her again, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Well, well... looks like our new friend has captured your interest."

April glances at Marie, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It's not... I mean, she's just really nice. That's all."

Marie chuckles softly, watching Clara disappear down the street. "Of course she is. Just nice enough to make you blush like that."

April crosses her arms, attempting to regain her usual cool composure, but her attempt is somewhat futile.

Marie leans back, clearly amused by April's flustered state. "You know, it's okay to let someone in sometimes, dear. Especially someone as charming as Clara."

April looks down at her sketchbook, her fingers tracing the lines she drew earlier. "I just... don't want to get hurt."

Marie places a gentle hand on April's shoulder. "Sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most beautiful rewards. Trust me on this one."

The sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the town. April stands up, gathering her things.

She glances at Marie with a hint of vulnerability. "I'll think about what you said. About Clara."

Marie watches April leave, her expression thoughtful. She pulls out a small wooden box from her pocket.

Inside, nestled among herbs and charms, lies the voodoo doll Marie created. "Perhaps it's time to see if fate has more in store for our dear April..."