a's

sting as I grip the railing, my breath foggi

doors above, replaced by quiet echoes a

ainst the wall, and clutch the gift b

" I whisper int

nds too smal

s with leftover adrenaline, and my pulse won'

. Red lace

a company event

een trying to avoid for days, the man w

un

h at th

at nic

that

y

ld concrete. My knees pull up instinctively, and

k upstairs and throw it in his face.

under all the humiliation.

I don't wa

eone is opening it. My heart leaps as I

o

this. Not with my face still b

perfect

landing, close enough that I sense h

harder as sil

. It's not the whisper from before a

yl

s me straight

harp and unsteady

have said tha

"I shouldn't have

pau

lence tremble

e says final

at breaks me because

nd force my voic

" he replies

d you... Why would you giv

r long

a joke," he says. "

en

sn't a

tween us until it feel

f. I still don't look at him, but I f

to the party

can

ence sends a shi

er..." I

f I go back in there

ops h

ough to catch the edge of his si

t?" I ask,

sn't breathe. Then he shak

. This is already

f and disappointment

ys again, firmer. "Bef

d, b

, not toward me, but

or opens, then it closes again

I'm alone...

tsi

ding. I button my coat up to my throat and keep

lumps on the sidewalk, taxis honk at every corner, and

insi

is quiet...

ne vib

g it's Ryan even though I

text fr

isappear to?? Is

at the m

my best

trust or us

back

t neede

lies in

't even finish your champagn

nig

ew

esh

resh... Or renewed...

.. brok

xt b

ding home. Tell e

am of pouty emoj

in my stomach as I stare at

tence, her closeness with Ryan-every part of

disaster at

way, hail a cab,

ghts blur into streaks as I press my

appening t

re's no

xander's voice followi