The cold water shocks your skin as you grip the sink, staring at your reflection. The laughter from the others echoes outside—Kyle’s booming voice, Betty’s giggles, Brad’s smug remarks. You take a deep breath.

This isn’t your scene, but Zoey’s warm smile makes it worth enduring. She never pressures you, never asks for more than you can give.

The door creaks open slightly. “You okay, babe?” her soft voice calls.

You exhale, nodding. “Yeah. Just needed a minute.”