Nia's apartment felt like a sanctuary the moment she stepped through the door, but tonight, even the familiar warmth of her space couldn't shake the tension still buzzing under her skin. Pixel, her grumpy feline, greeted her with a low meow, weaving through her legs in excitement.
"Hey, bud," Nia murmured, bending down to scoop him up. She cradled him against her chest, his purring vibrating through her. "Rough day, huh? I bet you didn't get ghosted by someone from your past."
She padded across the spacious living room, kicking off her heels and letting them thud against the hardwood floor. Pixel hopped down from her arms and pranced over to his favorite spot by the window, while Nia sank into her plush couch, still replaying the chaotic encounter with Zack. Her fingers lingered over her lips, remembering the intensity of his words. The sincerity in his voice had stirred something deep, something she had locked away for years.
