Box Of Matches | ✓

30

Ariel found herself wrapped in a cozy sweater, standing outside The Book Nook. Today was the day she had been eagerly anticipating—the day her book would finally make its debut. The shop was adorned with festive decorations, and a small crowd of customers and friends had gathered to celebrate her achievement.

Ariel's heart raced as she opened the box containing the first copies of her book. She carefully lifted one out, feeling the weight of it in her hands, the glossy cover reflecting the shop's warm lights. It was real. Her book was real, and it was here.

The owner of The Book Nook, Ms. Sullivan, clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Everyone, may I have your attention, please?" she called out, her voice filled with pride. "We are here to celebrate a very special occasion. Ariel, one of our own, has just published her first book!"

Cheers and applause erupted from the crowd, and Ariel felt a surge of gratitude wash over her. She held up the book, beaming. "Thank you all so much for being here. This means the world to me."

She opened the book and, with a flourish, signed the inside cover. The first copy would stay here, on the shelves of The Book Nook, as a symbol of her journey and the support she had received along the way.

As she placed the book on the shelf, a round of applause filled the shop. Ariel turned to see familiar faces beaming at her. Yet, despite the joy of the moment, she couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Bradley had promised he would come, but he was nowhere to be seen.

Trying to shake off the feeling, she scanned the room, her eyes landing on a familiar face standing quietly in the corner. Colby. He was here, smiling at her with a look of genuine pride. Ariel felt a wave of relief and happiness seeing him there, especially since she hadn't even told him about the event.

After mingling with the guests and accepting their congratulations, Ariel finally made her way through the crowd to Colby. "Hey," she said, a smile spreading across her face. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Colby returned her smile, his eyes warm. "I heard through the grapevine," he said with a wink. "I couldn't miss this. Congratulations, Ariel. I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you," Ariel said, feeling her cheeks flush. "It means a lot that you're here."

Colby shrugged modestly. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world. You've worked so hard for this."

As they stood there, talking and laughing, Ariel felt a sense of contentment. Despite Bradley's absence, Colby's presence filled the void, making her feel supported and cared for. It was a reminder that she was not alone in this journey.

Ms. Sullivan approached them, a glass of sparkling cider in each hand. "Ariel, I just wanted to say how proud we all are of you. And Colby, it's so nice to see you again."

"Thank you, Ms. Sullivan," Colby said, accepting a glass. "It's great to be here."

The three of them raised their glasses in a toast, and Ariel felt a swell of emotion. This moment, surrounded by people who cared about her, celebrating her accomplishment, was something she would cherish forever.

As the party continued, Ariel couldn't help but steal glances at Colby. He moved through the crowd with ease, talking to everyone and making them laugh. His presence was a comfort, and she found herself drawn to him more and more.

Later, as the celebration began to wind down and guests started to leave, Ariel and Colby found themselves alone in a quiet corner of the shop. "Thank you again for coming," Ariel said softly. "It really means a lot."

Colby reached out and gently took her hand. "Ariel, you deserve all the happiness and success in the world. I'm glad I could be here to share this moment with you."

Ariel looked down at their joined hands, her heart racing. She had spent so long focusing on her relationship with Bradley, trying to make it work despite the growing distance. But in this moment, with Colby's warmth and support surrounding her, she realized just how much she had been missing.

"I wish Bradley could have been here," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm so grateful that you are."

Colby squeezed her hand gently. "I'm always here for you, Ariel. No matter what."

Tears welled up in her eyes, but they were tears of gratitude and happiness. "Thank you, Colby," she said, her voice choked with emotion.

As they stood there, hand in hand, Ariel felt a sense of peace settle over her. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew that with Colby's support, she could face anything.

The celebration at The Book Nook had been a success, but more importantly, it had been a turning point for Ariel. She had finally realized the importance of surrounding herself with people who truly cared for her, and she was ready to embrace whatever came next.

As they left the shop together, the night air cool against their skin, Ariel felt a newfound sense of hope. With her book published and her dreams within reach, she was ready to take on the world, one step at a time.