The Popcorn Warning That Saved Me

We met outside the theater just before sunset, and everything felt effortless from the start.

He smiled when he saw me, handed me my ticket, and offered to grab popcorn while I picked up some candy. It felt simple, natural—like the beginning of something that could actually go somewhere.

But at the concession stand, things shifted. I ordered gummy bears, yet the girl behind the counter handed me popcorn instead.