The butterflies in my stomach were pure excitement. I hadn’t been out on my own in years.

As the Uber pulled away, I shared my location with my sister, Nattie.

She called immediately. “You’re going out? Alone? At night?”

“I’m fine,” I laughed. “I’ll text you when I arrive.”

“Fine,” she sighed. “Have fun. Just send me a selfie now… for the Missing Person flyer.”

I rolled my eyes. Nattie was being dramatic.

Until I saw the Uber driver watching me through the rearview mirror.

And smiling.

© 2026 Addie DeRose