Her heels waited like promises beside the mirror. She stepped into them, their height making the dress fall even more elegantly. Her hands smoothed over the fabric one final time, not adjusting, simply appreciating. The smile at her lips had edges now as she gathered her clutch.

Each click of her heels toward the door carried absolute certainty. She paused at the threshold, casting one last glance at her reflection. Then she was gone.

The door closed behind her with a soft click. The room held its breath. Perfume and silence. The mirror reflecting only empty twilight where she’d stood.