Until my Last Breath

43

My phone buzzes on the table. Glancing at the screen, I see it's Marina, and something about her name brings a comfort I didn't realize I needed. I take a deep breath before answering.

"Just wanted to check in and wish you good luck tonight," she says, her voice bright and cheerful, yet with a hint of warmth that feels like an embrace.

Tonight is a Nike-sponsored gala. A huge event. Athletes, celebrities, influencers-all gathered in one space to celebrate achievements, network, and be seen. I should be excited-but its my first event alone, which I'm not used to and I can't shake the gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach, i tried to find an excuse not to go tonight but having just sealed my first 5 year contract with them i couldn't slip out .

"Thanks, Nina," I reply, trying to inject some enthusiasm into my tone. "I'm a bit nervous, to be honest, you really can't come with me?."

"I'm sorry Riri It's completely normal to feel that way. This is a huge opportunity for you, and you've worked hard to get here. Just remember, you just like everyone there, also belong in that room," she reassures me, her tone almost sisterly. I can hear the protective edge in her voice, as if she wants to shield me from any doubts. "I'm proud of you for taking this step on your own."

"Thanks, I appreciate it," I say, glancing at my reflection.

"I know you're going to shine," she continues. "Just be yourself and don't hesitate to network. You never know who you might meet."

"Right," I reply, feeling the knot in my stomach tighten again.

>><><><><>

As I step out of the car, the spotlight hits me, and flashes from cameras light up the night. A few familiar faces nod or wave, but they're not really friends. Just people I've met at events, interviews, or races. I force a smile at a passing photographer who calls out, "Looking sharp, Rita!" but inside, I feel a growing sense of detachment. I'm not one for the schmoozing, the small talk, the fake smiles. I'm here because Nike is my sponsor, i slipped away last year because of the anxiety i feel with being alone but this is part of the job.

The gala is even grander inside-champagne glasses glint under chandeliers, and laughter echoes through the halls. People are dressed to the nines, but all I can think about is how out of place I feel. I walk around for a while, making small talk, posing for photos, but my mind is elsewhere, drifting in and out of memories I've been trying to suppress.

As I navigate through the crowd again, I can't help but feel like a ghost. I smile at people who don't really see me, exchanging polite words that hang in the air like balloons-full of hot air but lacking substance. Just then, I notice a figure walking in.
My heart sinks at the sight.
He looks so good tonight in his dark blue tuxedo, and the knot in my stomach twists painfully.

Of course he's here, I know he's also sponsored by nike. I've seen pictures of him for the new campaign they're launching. I just knew he's going to show up.

Then, as if the universe is playing some cruel joke, I catch his gaze across the room. For a moment, everything else fades away. My heart does this weird flip, and I feel the heat rise to my cheeks. He smiles-a small, almost imperceptible smile-but it's enough to knock the wind out of me.

We havent texted since the night i dropped him back at his house, the night everything changed for me.
And for some reason he didn't reach out too, which is concerning giving that we've been talking non stop for the past months.

Before I can even process what's happening, he's walking toward me. And my heart? It's in my throat.

"Rita," he says when he reaches me, and my name on his lips sends a strange, unwelcome warmth through me.