That evening, Elizabeth and Andy grabbed dinner at a roadside stand before he walked her home.
The dim alleyway now glowed with bright light.
Elizabeth stood silently at the foot of the stairs, staring at the illumination that felt almost unnatural. A strange, uneasy feeling washed over her.
She dismissed Andy and turned to head upstairs.
"Elizabeth!"
The soft but deliberate call stopped her in her tracks.
Without looking back, she heard Andy's voice behind her. "Have you really thought about what I said earlier today?"
Elizabeth didn't answer. Instead, she hurried up the stairs, quickening her pace at the corner as if trying to escape.
She fumbled with her keys, unlocked the door, and rushed inside without noticing the cigarette butts scattered near the doorway.
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