SYLAS
Aria disappeared into her room, probably to scrub the day off her skin. I was left alone in her apartment, the quiet humming louder than expected.
I looked around.
It was small. Cozy in a way that made sense. The kind of space that didn't pretend to be anything more than what it was. Mismatched throw pillows on the couch, books stacked sideways on shelves, half-burnt candles scattered across the table like forgotten thoughts. A hoodie tossed over the back of a chair.
It suited her.
Not pristine. Not perfect.
Real.
God, this felt unreal.
Not even weeks ago, I'd been pacing some overpriced patio at a beach house party, trying to drown boredom with champagne, thinking I'd never see her again.
The first time I saw her…
She was alone.
The tide was high, pulling everything back with it. Including her.
