Elina

Short story: Elina stood at the foot of the grand staircase as the chandeliers shimmered above her. Her dark blue ball gown caught the light like a midnight sky sprinkled with stars, and every step she took whispered softly against the marble. Tonight wasn’t just a ball—it was her fresh beginning. She had promised herself she would never hide behind silence or doubt again. As the music rose and the doors opened, she lifted her chin and smiled. For the first time in a long while, Elina felt completely free.