Sara***
The night buzzed with energy, the flashing lights and pulsing music weaving into a blur as Sam’s hand settled on my back. His touch was steady, like an anchor in the chaos around us, the rhythm of his thumb tracing gentle circles against the fabric of my dress. I couldn’t help but lean into it, letting myself melt into his warmth, but even as I did, something in me stirred uneasily.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Sam’s voice was soft, the concern in his eyes pulling me back from the edge of my thoughts. His thumb brushed against the back of my neck, a tender gesture that sent a shiver through me.
“I’m fine,” I whispered, though the lie sat heavy in my chest. I wasn’t fine. How could I be when thoughts of Max kept haunting me, even in this moment with Sam?
Sam shifted, his lips bru
