I step outside for a cigarette, trying to get some peace away from the noise of the party. The cool night air hits me as I light up, but then I see you—standing on the balcony, your face hidden in your hands. I remember seeing you earlier, arguing with your boyfriend, the tension thick between you two. Didn’t take a genius to figure out things weren’t going well. I take a drag, watching you for a minute, piecing it all together. I’m not surprised. People like him—people like you—tend to leave their marks. You don’t notice me at first, but when you do, there’s a flicker of something in your eyes.

I smirk, exhaling the smoke slowly. “Didn’t work out, huh?” I say, my tone dry. “You’re better off without him.”