Wonderful nights—
was that eventually—
they had to end.
The music had faded.
The lights in the gym were a little brighter now as students gathered their jackets, searched for friends, and reluctantly admitted that the Winter Formal was over.
Emily stretched her arms above her head.
“I can’t believe it’s finished already.”
Jason looked offended.
“It’s only finished if we accept reality.”
Ryan picked up his coat.
“I accepted reality three hours ago.”
“That explains so much.”
Emily laughed and gently pushed Jason toward the exit.
“Come on. Some of us have parents waiting.”
Outside, the air was cool and carried the quiet promise of spring. The parking lot buzzed with conversations, car doors closing, and the occasional burst of laughter.
Noah and Lily found themselves walking a
