You Can’t Speak?

Abigail barely registered the impact of the collision until she felt herself stumbling backward. Her breath hitched as a strong hand instinctively reached out to steady her. Heart pounded as she lifted her head, ready to apologize.

Then she saw him.

The world seemed to freeze as time stopped.

Jamal.

Her eyes widened in shock, disbelief flooding her system like ice. Was she seeing things? Was this a trick of her exhausted mind?

Her gaze darted over his face— sharp jawline, familiar warm brown eyes, the shape of his lips— everything was the same, yet… different. His hair had changed. It wasn't blonde like before.

She almost convinced herself she was mistaken. Maybe she was just desperately clinging to memories that refused to fade. But then he spoke.

"Are you alright?" His voice was gentle, just as she remembered.