Chapter 43. The Man

Receiving no response, I called his name once more, the words hanging in the air unanswered. Despite the unsettling uncertainty, I pressed on, my trepidation tempered by an undeniable pull toward this enigmatic presence. As I approached, Pier's back came into view, his attention absorbed by the company of others.

Summoning a courage born of both fear and longing, I reached out and touched his shoulder, a gentle attempt to anchor his attention in the midst of the lively crowd. "Pier?" I called once again, the cadence of my voice a delicate plea against the backdrop of the pulsating music.

The moment hung suspended, a tableau of anticipation as I waited for him to acknowledge my presence.

As the man turned to face me, my emotions surged, and I felt the sting of tears threatening to pull me to my knees. Yet, he held onto me, his touch grounding me in the midst of the swirling confusion.

"Miss?" he uttered, a hint of confusion threading t