Chapter 5 - Collide

The night hung heavy over Altea as Estrella walked towards Samir's apartment. She had told her parents that she would be spending the evening with Luna, a half-truth she justified to herself. The weight of her internal turmoil pressed on her as she approached Samir's door. The cobblestone streets echoed with the distant sounds of laughter and music from nearby cafes, creating a romantic backdrop for what lay ahead.

She couldn't shake the nervous flutter in her stomach. The internal debate had been relentless. Should she have been more honest with her parents? But the fear of their disapproval held her back. It was too early. Luna had encouraged her to trust her parents more, but the fear of disappointing them gnawed at her.

As she stood in front of Samir's apartment door, the light glow of the corridor's lamps illuminated the worn wooden door. She took a deep breath, smoothing down the fabric of her skirt, and knocked. Samir opened the door, his eyes lighting up with a warm welcome.