*Amber*

I try to console myself in my head, to tell myself that everything will be fine. But as I am standing in this large conference room, with all eyes boring into my skin, I feel the confidence I have summoned wane. Even with Ryan’s hands interlinked with mine, I can still feel my legs turning to jelly, daring to give out on me. My eyes trail through the river of faces, each etched with different emotions.

Surprise, confusion, disapproval, judgment.

I swallow to ...