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A Flicker of Regret

Author: Sarah Ovvens
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-10 11:39:38

The evening was fading into dusk, the soft chill of the air biting at their cheeks as Calla and Betty strolled down the cobblestone street just outside the café. The birthday celebration’s warmth still lingered in their footsteps—the laughter, the clinking glasses, and the glow of candles were now a memory as the last guests trickled out.

Betty was radiant, her signature charm glowing from the evening’s events, but Calla noticed something shift in her demeanor. Betty stopped mid-sentence, her gaze catching on a woman crossing the street.

Without thinking, she murmured, “Hey… she resembles…” and then abruptly stopped, her words trailing into silence.

Calla tilted her head, following Betty’s line of sight.

Betty cleared her throat, awkwardly shifting her gaze to Calla.

“I’m sorry,” she said quickly, her voice apologetic. “I shouldn’t have—”

“Jessica,” Calla filled in the blank for her, her tone steady.

The sadness flickering in Calla’s eyes was impossible to miss. Betty bit her lip and
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