A long walk

The next evening comes faster than you expect. All day, you keep telling yourself it’s just another night, just another party, but the thought knots your stomach. By the time you’re standing in the living room, waiting for Sadie to finish getting ready, you’re wound tighter than you’d like to admit.

When her door finally opens, you have to stop yourself from staring. She hasn’t gone overboard, Sadie’s never been the type, but she’s changed just enough to throw you off balance. Fitted green jeans, a casual black top that actually flatters her figure, her hair brushed and neat instead of pulled back in a messy tie. It’s still Sadie… but somehow, it’s also not.

She catches your glance and smirks. “What? Do I look that weird?”

You shake your head quickly. “No. Just… different. In a good way.”

Her smirk softens for a second before she grabs her jacket and slings it over her shoulder. “Well, don’t get used to it. Tomorrow I’ll be back in sweatpants.”

You laugh, but it comes out a little too ****. The awkwardness clings as you both step outside, the cool night air brushing over your skin. The street is quiet except for the distant hum of traffic, and for once, neither of you has much to say.

The walk stretches longer than it should. Every time you think of a topic, it dies before it reaches your mouth. Sadie kicks at a stray pebble, eyes focused ahead.

“So, Sadie” you finally say, **** to break the silence, “you’ve been to these things before?”

She shrugs. “A few. Usually boring. But… sometimes worth it.”

“Worth it how?”

“Free food. Dumb drama. Watching drunk people make fools of themselves.” She shoots you a sideways look. “And dragging you out of your cave, apparently.”

“Yeah, thanks for that.” You stuff your hands into your pockets, pretending the sarcasm hides the warmth in your chest.

For a while, it’s just your footsteps echoing against the pavement. Then she clears her throat. “About yesterday…”

Your pulse jumps. You glance at her, but her face is unreadable in the glow of the streetlights.

“You don’t have to act weird about it” she says. “I’m not mad.”

“I know. I just—” You stumble over the words. “It caught me off guard, that’s all.”

Sadie lets out a small laugh, though it doesn’t sound entirely natural. “Yeah, me too.”

The conversation dies there, but the weight of it lingers, stretching between you like a thread you’re both careful not to pull too hard.

By the time the party house comes into view, lights spilling from the windows, bass thumping through the walls, you’re almost relieved for the distraction. The noise, the people, the chaos… anything feels easier than the quiet tension of that walk.

Sadie nudges your arm as you stop at the gate. “Ready, soldier?”

You nod, even though you’re not sure you are. Then, together, you step into the noise.