Santiago arrived at the small riverside park fifteen minutes early. He chose a bench under a large oak tree, the afternoon sun filtering through the leaves in soft golden patches.
In his hands was a paper bag containing the books he had promised Leon, including a new hardcover edition of The Song of Achilles.
His phone buzzed. A message from Leon:
"On my way! Got held up a bit at the restaurant. Sorry!"
Santiago typed back quickly: "No rush. I'm already here. Take your time."
Ten minutes later, Leon appeared on the path, jogging lightly with his backpack bouncing on his shoulder. He spotted Santiago and waved enthusiastically, a bright smile spreading across his face.
"Hey! Sorry I'm late," Leon said, slightly breathless as he reached the bench. "One of the regulars wanted extra sauce on his sandwich and wouldn't stop talking. How long have you been waiting?"
"Not long," Santiago replied, standing up. He handed over the paper bag. "Here. As promised."
