POV Alicia

My life balanced on a razor’s edge—perfectly poised like an expensive antique on display. Every minute of my day was accounted for, every movement monitored; efficiency was paramount. I lived almost mechanically within a well-oiled routine... and I was suffocating in it.

The only respite came when Lucas appeared. He always had some dessert hidden in his clothes—I didn’t even know where exactly. He would step forward, pretending to chat with the coach ...