Phoenix Maplewood smile without a reason why

he chuckled, shaking his head with an infinitesimal sigh. "i'm always tired, these days," adi responded, his eyes fixed on hers with genuine humor. "it's nothing at all to do with you." he stretched slightly, enjoying the feel of the sun-warmed ground. it was cooling, slightly, as the temperature dipped; aditya knew he only had a short time to savor summer before the winter winds rolled in.

the thought sent icy dread down his spine, and he shivered, looking away. "how is your family?" he asked, pushing thoughts of snow to the back of his mind. the last time they had spoken, she had just lost a sister. he danced around that memory; if she wanted to, she would bring it up. he certainly wouldn't do so himself.