[Hazel]
I stared at the real estate office one last time, hoping—foolishly—that it might somehow rewind itself, that time would loop and give me a second chance. But no miracle came.
It just stood there in its cold, soulless stillness. Floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the sky like it had nothing to hide, but I knew better. Behind that glass? A dream—mine—lay gutted and lifeless.
A bitter sigh slipped from my lips, heavy as lead. It tasted like ash and failure, like the aftertaste of trusting the wrong people. I turned without a word and walked straight past Elijah, who, surprisingly, was still waiting for me despite our little argument.
I moved faster. Trying all my best to get away from that sterile building. Away from the tight cluster of people murmuring their misfortune. Away
