Chapter 5

The night was quiet. We were on the balcony again, sitting side by side, not saying much. The wind brushed past slowly, just enough to make the trees rustle a little. The sky looked clearer than usual, stars scattered everywhere, shining so bright. Making me imagine if my life shines as bright as the star. Or maybe it would have been better if I were a star.

There was a soft glow from the garden lights, and I pulled the blanket tighter around my legs.

Benjamin sat beside me, holding a glass of wine. He hadn't spoken much after dinner. He was always calm, always in control. But tonight felt different. There was something in the air, and I could feel it.

Then he finally spoke.

"You know..." he said quietly, eyes staring ahead, "the first time I saw you was in college."

I turned to him. "Hmm."

He nodded. "You were walking down the hallway. You had this soft smile on your face. I thought you were smiling at me