A Happy Ebilade

Tamarakie stepped through the door of her cozy apartment, kicking off her shoes as a tired sigh escaped her lips. The soft hum of the city outside served as a distant backdrop to her thoughts. She leaned against the door for a moment, her hand pressed lightly over her chest as her heartbeat refused to settle.

Her mind replayed the evening—his smile, the warmth in his voice, and the undeniable spark in his eyes. A faint blush crept across her cheeks, and she pushed herself off the door with a small laugh, shaking her head as though she could dismiss the growing giddiness within her.

Moving to the bathroom, she splashed cool water on her face, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her lips curled into a shy, almost disbelieving smile as she whispered, "It really was him." Her cheeks reddened further as the weight of those words sank in.