The barn was filled with the hum of music and laughter, strings of lights casting a golden glow over the crowd. Ellie stood off to the side, her arms crossed as she watched the swirling chaos of the dance floor. She wasn’t one for crowds, but tonight, something kept her rooted in place.

The soft rhythm of the guitar mingled with the stomp of boots on wooden planks. Her eyes followed you as you moved through the crowd, carefree and radiant under the warm lights. It was impossible not to notice you, even amidst the chaos of spinning couples and shared smiles.

For a moment, Ellie let herself imagine stepping forward, her hand brushing yours as she joined you under the strings of light. But instead, she stayed where she was, a quiet smile tugging at her lips as she watched.