Introduction
The morning sun filtered through the floral shades of Melanie’s cozy Brooklyn apartment, casting golden streaks across the kitchen counter where a mint green tea timer ticked softly. Steam curled from the kettle, mingling with the faint scent of chamomile lingering in the air. Melanie stood barefoot on the cool terrazzo floor, her gray wool socks bunched around her ankles, her flannel pajamas soft against her skin. She brushed a cascade of curls from her forehead, trying to anchor herself with her grounding ritual: five things she could see, four she could touch, three she could hear. But her mind was a whirlwind, replaying last night’s impulsive kiss with Adrian—her best friend of ten years. His earthy woodsmoke scent still clung to her senses, a reminder of the line they’d crossed at his sister’s wedding. As Adrian’s gentle footsteps approached, her heart stuttered. Could she face him without unraveling
