The room seemed to naturally make space as he walked, his footsteps unhurried and sure. When he reached her, the air in the gym felt strangely still. “Shirley,” he said softly, his voice steadier than she had ever heard it. “Would you dance with me?” She didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.”
Tyler blinked in confusion, but Shirley offered him an apologetic glance before she let Richard guide her onto the dance floor. His hand was warm, confident, and she felt her breath settle for the first time in days. They swayed in silence for a few moments before she finally whispered, “That woman… who is she?”