As we stepped out of the studio, the weight of what had just happened pressed heavily on my chest. The cool evening air did little to calm the storm brewing inside me.
Carmen's hand was still on my arm, a gesture that usually brought comfort, but now felt possessive, almost suffocating. I could feel the tension radiating off her in waves, and I knew the moment we were alone, everything would unravel.
We walked in silence, the click of our heels on the pavement the only sound between us. I tried to think of something to say, something to diffuse the situation before it exploded. But every time I opened my mouth, the words died in my throat. I wasn't even sure where to begin.
We reached the car, and Carmen unlocked it without a word. I hesitated before getting in, glancing over at her. Her face was set in stone, her eyes forward, refusing to meet mine. A knot tightened in my stomach. I knew this was bad. Really bad.
