Thoughts

The plush, floral duvet felt heavy, a physical manifestation of the weight settling in Hazel's stomach. She stared at the ceiling, the intricate pattern of roses and lilies blurring as her mind replayed the events of the evening. Axel, with his easy smile and the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed, had asked her out. A date.

It wasn't a surprise, not entirely. He'd been dropping hints, subtle at first, then bolder with each passing week. He'd linger a little longer after dropping Theo off, his gaze lingering on her face, a playful glint in his eyes. He'd bring her coffee, a steaming mug with a heart drawn on the foam, a silent gesture that had sent a shiver down her spine.

But tonight, the invitation had been explicit, the words hanging in the air between them like a delicate, shimmering web. "Would you like to have dinner with me, Hazel? Just the two of us."

The question had caught her off guard, leaving her speechless. She'd stammered, fumbled for an answer,