Callie
The sun was setting again, though not as dramatically as yesterday, casting the festival in warm gold light. It should have felt peaceful and cheerful but as we walked through the crowd with my hand tucked lightly into Grayson’s, I felt my chest tighten. Every laugh, every shout, every phone held up for pictures pulled my thoughts back to yesterday—and to Mary.
The crowd was much this time. Voices blended together, food smells hung in the air, and lights blinked everywhere. Kids ran past with sticky hands, couples stopped to pose, families gathered at game booths. It was loud, bright, chaotic—everything my mind wasn’t ready for but Grayson’s hand stayed warm in mine.
He noticed right away. His fingers brushed mine. I looked up, and a small smile crossed his face.
“You are tense
