JULIA
Time seemed to slow down as Evan held me. It felt like his presence could calm me down in the midst of my panic. My forehead rested against his chest, and for a moment, the loudness in my mind was replaced by the sound of his heartbeat.
He kept muttering comforting words into my ears, so I relaxed even more in his arms. We stood there for a while, my eyes closed as I relished in his embrace.
When I opened my eyes, I caught sight of Ellie standing a few feet away, her arms crossed and a fond smile playing on her lips.
The sight of her brought me back to reality, and I pulled away from Evan, quickly wiping my tear-streaked cheeks.
Evan frowned as he watched me move away. Ellie, on the other hand, continued looking at us with a teasing grin.
I cleared my throat and looked dow
