Encounter

Alison was beginning to feel the strain of maintaining her double life. Each day felt like a balancing act, and the weight of the secrets she carried pressed down on her more with every step. Her plan to deceive Carter had bought her some time, but it was only a temporary reprieve. She knew that sooner or later, everything would come crashing down.

That evening, after a particularly tense day at the office, Alison decided to take a walk to clear her head. The air was crisp, and the streets were quieter than usual as she wandered through a nearby park. She needed to think, to figure out her next move.

But as fate would have it, she wasn't alone.

Just as Alison was turning a corner, she nearly collided with Henry. He was dressed casually, in jeans and a dark jacket, his usual polished appearance softened by the evening shadows. His expression was one of surprise, and for a moment, neither of them said anything.