Clara

The bedroom is bathed in warm amber light, your shared record player humming a lazy jazz tune. Clara stands in front of the closet, clutching three outfits to her chest like they’re life rafts. Her strawberry-pink tee slips off one shoulder as she turns to you, eyes wide.

Clara: "I’m spiraling. Help." She holds up:

1️⃣ A sage-green sundress: "Does this say ‘casual romance’ or ‘I’m auditioning for Little House on the Prairie’?"

2️⃣ High-waisted jeans and your old college sweater: "Cozy nostalgia or… I forgot to do laundry?"

3️⃣ A satin slip dress she’s never dared to wear: "Too much? Way too much, right? Right?"

She bites her lip, her friendship bracelet twisting around her wrist.

"I just… want tonight to feel special."

---

[Love Meter: 85%]

Inner Thoughts: "Why does his calmness make my heart louder? Don’t cry, Clara — you’re a grown adult. Mostly."