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You win. Let’s go out for drinks.
“Really?” Gianna’s smiley face appears at the threshold two seconds later, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “I promise you won’t regret it!”
“Fine,” I sigh, rolling my eyes playfully. “But just for a little while, okay? I really need to finish this project.”
“Deal,” she agrees with a nod of her head, holding out her hand for me to shake.
As we make our way to the bar, a sense of anticipation mixed with trepidation fills my chest. It’s been a while since I’ve allowed myself to step out of my comfort zone like this, but I know that sometimes growth doesn’t happen without taking risks.
~~~
Upon entering the bar, the smell hits me like a wave—beer, a mix of perfumes, and something else I can’t identify; it’s almost overwhelming. The dimly lit room is packed with people, many of whom appear to be fans of a local soccer club—their jerseys giving them away.
“Isn’t this place great?” Gianna mouths, guiding me toward a table near the back. “The team always comes here after their games. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet your future husband tonight!”
“Ha, very funny,” I reply, glancing around at the sea of faces. “I highly doubt that.”
“Hey, you never know!” Gianna insists, ordering us both a round of drinks. “Besides, even if you don’t find love, at least you’ll have a good time. And isn’t that what life’s all about?”
As I look around the lively bar, trying to absorb the energy and excitement that seems to pulse through the room, I wonder if Gianna might be onto something. Maybe it is time to embrace new experiences, to push myself beyond my self-imposed limits. And who knows—maybe in doing so, I’ll find the transformation I’ve been seeking and also the happiness I deserve.
As I stand at the back of the bar, sipping my drink and absently watching the soccer players celebrating their win, a twinge of boredom and disinterest dulls my mind. The noise, the laughter, the smell of alcohol and sweat—it all feels so…foreign to me. My thoughts drift back to my workshop, where the antique dresser sits. I can almost feel the smoothness of the wood beneath my fingertips, the satisfaction of seeing the transformation taking place.
Gianna waves her arms from across the room, catching my attention. “Hey, Spencer! Check this out!” She’s talking to a tall, muscular guy with a charming smile, his arm casually draped over her shoulder. I can tell by the way she’s leaning into him that she’s completely captivated. Good for her. I try to muster some enthusiasm for her flirtation.
“Looks like you’re having fun,” I say back, forcing a smile. Gianna just grins and gives me a thumbs-up before turning her full attention back to her conversation.
Taking a deep breath, I try once more to immerse myself in the lively atmosphere. I watch as people dance, cheer, and clink their glasses together, seemingly having the time of their lives. But no matter how hard I try, I just can’t shake the feeling that I don’t belong here—that my true passion lies elsewhere.
I glance over at Gianna again, noting that she’s still fully engaged with her new friend. This could be my chance, I realize—my opportunity to slip away unnoticed. A mixture of guilt and relief washes over me as I consider the option.
“Who am I kidding?” I think, taking one last sip of my drink before setting it down on a nearby table. “This just isn’t me.”
As I make my way toward the exit, weaving my way through the sea of bodies, I feel a strange sense of freedom. It’s as if I’m shedding old skin, leaving behind a part of myself that no longer serves me. And while I know that Gianna may be disappointed in my departure, I’m sure this is the right decision for me.
The cool night air is a balm to my heated skin as I step out of the bar and into the dimly lit street. Relief washes over me, feeling lighter now that I’ve left the chaos behind. My fingers run along the outline of my ear, a reminder that the world outside has its own version of silence—one that I can embrace wholeheartedly.
“Finally,” I whisper, inhaling deeply. The scent of ocean air drifts in from the shoreline, carrying with it a promise of tranquility. “Time for some peace.”
I start walking, my boots hit the pavement providing a steady rhythm, grounding me in this moment. As I move further away from the bar, the noise in my head fades, replaced by the familiar hum that fills my mind. My thoughts turn inwards, filled with visions of paint-splattered drop cloths and furniture waiting to be transformed into something new.
“Who needs a night out when there’s so much to do at home?” I chuckle softly, shaking my head. Determination settles in my chest, a resolve to prioritize my passions rather than getting caught up in someone else’s idea of fun.
As I continue down the street, a movement catches my attention. It’s barely perceptible in the darkness around me, yet it stands out, demanding my focus. I pause, looking for my kitty knuckles and pepper spray, then strain to see more clearly. There it is again—a sort of commotion making the hairs on my nape stand.
“I should probably text Gianna and let her know I’m okay.”
I look around, but everything looks normal, but there is more than that. The air smells like desperation—a mixture of pain and fear that sends a shiver down my spine.
At the same time, my phone vibrates with an upcoming text. It’s Gianna asking for my whereabouts. I roll my eyes. I’m sure she wants to drag me back to the bar. As my fingers run over the screen, another message comes in.
This isn’t going anywhere. Send me your location, I’ll be there in a minute.
Alone.
While I’m busy sending my best friend my location, a couple of guys—one of them with a big hand tattoo—come running from the corner. My heart beats faster, and adrenaline surges through my veins as I trudge forward and come face-to-face with the source of the disturbance. A man lies sprawled on the ground, blood oozing from a wound on his side. His eyes, wide with fear, find mine, pleading for assistance.
Immediately, I send my friend another text.
