Just as Debbie began to feel a sense of stability, Pasco re-entered her life unexpectedly. He showed up at a gathering she attended with Lena, his presence like a ghost she couldn't escape.
Pasco was as charming as ever, but Debbie noticed something different about him. His confidence seemed more like a mask, and when their eyes met, she felt a flicker of doubt about the man she had once placed on a pedestal.
The encounter left Debbie reeling. She turned to Filex for comfort, only to find him distant and preoccupied.The air felt heavier that night, as though the universe was bracing Debbie for something. Lena had convinced her to attend a gallery event downtown, urging her to "get out of her head for once." Debbie wasn't sure she belonged there among the sleek dresses and polished smiles, but she went anyway. She was browsing a collection of abstract paintings, her thoughts far away, when Lena's voice broke through.
"Debbie," Lena said cautiously, her usually bold tone replaced with unease.
Debbie turned, and her heart froze. Standing a few feet away was Pasco.
Pasco looked different than she remembered—older, sharper, but still carrying that easy charm that had once drawn her in like a moth to a flame. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the noise of the gallery faded into nothingness.
"Debbie," he said, his voice soft but unmistakable.
She swallowed hard, her pulse racing. Part of her wanted to turn and walk away, to protect herself from the storm of emotions that his presence stirred. But another part of her—one she hated to admit existed—wanted answers.
"Pasco," she said finally, her voice steady despite the chaos inside her.