The taxi came to a slow halt at the curb, the tires crunching softly over the gravel. Claire stepped out, her black boots landing firmly on the pavement as the cool, evening breeze brushed against her skin. The fading rays of sunlight painted the city in hues of orange and amber, casting long shadows that danced gently along the quiet street. But the beauty of dusk went unnoticed by her. Her eyes were locked on the front door of her apartment building—familiar, yet strangely distant. It stood like a silent sentinel, a witness to the chaos she had barely escaped from.
She drew in a deep breath, as though inhaling courage itself. Every breath was a reminder that she was free—free for now, at least. But the air tasted bitter, saturated with anxiety and the sting of memories. She carried more than just her worn-out bag; she carried the weight of secrets, betrayal, and a haunting question that refused to let her go—what if none of this was over?
