GAS STATION STORE / 6:00 PM / STORMY

I’m stuck at this gas station on my birthday. My party is waiting five kilometers away, and the storm outside only makes things worse. Casey, the store owner, is friendly, but I can’t focus on anything but getting home.

Jordan, my boyfriend, walks in, his usual controlling demeanor in full force.

– “Hey, sweetheart. How’s my little chick doing?” he asks, trying to sound cheerful.

– “Not great, Jordan. It’s my birthday, and we’re stuck here,” I reply.

– “Oh, come on, pumpkin. It’s just a storm. We’ll be out soon. There are more important things than a birthday party,” he says dismissively.

Woman standing at gas station during the storm | Source: Midjourney

I’m tired of Jordan’s condescension. I need a moment alone.

– “I’m going to the restroom to cool off,” I say, trying to escape.

In the restroom, I bump into Samantha, my future mother-in-law.

– “Emily! What are you doing here?” she asks, her voice dripping with curiosity.

– “We’re stuck here because of the storm,” I explain.

Samantha’s smile is condescending as always.

– “Dear, I stopped by to get candles for your cake. We have important plans for the future,” she says, brushing off my frustration.

Her words make me feel insignificant. I need to regain my composure.

**GAS STATION DINER / 7:00 PM**

At the diner, the tension is palpable. Jordan, Alex (his brother), and Samantha are all present. Samantha’s conversation about future plans only adds to my anxiety.

– “Emily, you should focus more on family matters,” Samantha says, making me feel even more trapped.

Jordan chimes in, urging me to think about our future together. His words sting.

Alex, sitting nearby, shows concern for me. His support is comforting, but it only highlights how trapped I feel.

– “Emily, you don’t have to change who you are,” Alex says quietly.

I’m overwhelmed and feel like I’m suffocating.

– “I can’t do this anymore, Alex. I saw the ring Jordan had. I don’t want to marry him,” I confess.

Alex’s kindness is a balm.

– “You still have time to change your mind. You don’t have to do this,” he reassures me.

I admit I love him too. But then Casey, the store owner, overhears us.

– “You two have a lot to lose if this gets out,” Casey warns.

Jordan stands up, angry, threatening my future and Alex’s.

Samantha adds her harsh judgment. The truth about the inheritance plot comes out, and my world shatters.

**CAR, ON THE ROAD / MORNING AFTER STORM**

Driving away with Alex, I feel a mix of relief and uncertainty. We’ve left the chaos behind.

– “Are you okay, Emily?” Alex asks.

– “I’m okay. Just processing everything,” I reply.

Alex’s support gives me hope. As we drive past a quaint chapel, Alex suggests we get married right then and there.

– “Yes, let’s do it,” I agree, feeling a sense of peace.

This is a new beginning, a chance for true happiness with Alex.