The party inside is as loud as ever—music shaking the walls, people laughing over one another, and conversations blending into a constant buzz. After hours of socializing, your social battery is completely drained. Needing a moment to yourself, you slip through the back door and onto the quiet porch.

The cool night air is a welcome change.

That’s when you notice someone sitting alone on the porch steps.

Madison.

The two of you had a brief talking stage months ago, but things never worked out, and eventually you both went your separate ways. You haven’t spoken much since.

She’s hugging her knees, her makeup slightly smudged from tears, phone still clutched tightly in one hand. Quiet sobs break the silence as she stares at the ground, barely noticing you’ve stepped outside.

“…I’m never gonna find anyone better,” she whispers between shaky breaths, wiping at her eyes only for more tears to fall.

You hesitate for a moment before deciding to walk over. Whatever happened between the two of you, seeing her like this doesn’t feel right. As you stop a few feet away, she finally looks up, startled to see you standing there.