Silent Strangers

EIGHT

Chapter EIGHT:
Grace

The weight of the world seemed to lift as I lay on Selena's couch, Tobias by my side. His presence was a comforting balm, soothing the unease that had settled in my chest.

"I'm so embarrassed about fainting like that," I confessed, my voice barely a whisper.
Tobias squeezed my hand. "Don't be silly. It happens to the best of us."

I took a deep breath. "It was so weird. I was just grabbing some apples, and then everything went black."

I recounted the events of the day, the sudden dizziness, the collapse, and how Selena had been there to help. I told him about Selena, a stranger, not so much of a stranger now that I knew she was Tobias's sister, who had become a lifeline in that moment of vulnerability.

As I spoke, I realized how much courage it took to admit what I was about to say. I glanced at Tobias, his eyes filled with concern.

"And... and there was something else," I stammered. "I... I missed you."

The words tumbled out before I could stop them. My face flushed a deep crimson as I awaited his response.
Tobias's gaze softened. "I missed you too, Grace," he replied, his voice low.
A warmth spread through me, like a sunbeam breaking through a cloudy day. It was a simple admission, but it meant the world to me.

As my strength returned, Tobias suggested taking me home. The drive was filled with a comfortable silence, broken only by the soft jazz playing on the radio. His arm rested lightly on the car door, and I couldn't help but steal glances at him.

When we pulled up to my apartment building, I felt a pang of disappointment. I wanted to spend more time with him.

As we stepped inside, the familiar scent of home washed over me. I was about to suggest we order takeout when the front door burst open.
Ashley stood there, her mouth agape, her eyes wide with surprise.

Tobias stiffened beside me, his arm instinctively pulling me closer. The comfortable, intimate atmosphere that had enveloped us just moments ago vanished in an instant, replaced by a cold awkwardness.

Ashley's eyes darted between Tobias and me, her expression a mixture of confusion and curiosity. "Grace, who is this?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

I opened my mouth to introduce Tobias, but the words seemed to catch in my throat. The moment felt frozen in time, the only sound the ticking of the clock on the wall.