Adrian had avoided parties for years. The very thought of loud music, forced laughter, and crowded rooms made his chest tighten. Yet tonight, for reasons he couldn't quite explain, he said yes to a friend's invitation.
When he stepped into the apartment, the wave of sound and color hit him. People moved freely, glasses clinked, conversations overlapped. Adrian stayed near the doorway at first, scanning for a quiet corner. He hated how out of place he felt — like a shadow in a world of fireworks.
But instead of slipping away, something inside him whispered: Stay. Don't run this time.
As the night went on, a few friends noticed him.
"Adrian, you actually came! Miracles do happen," one of them laughed, handing him a drink.
Adrian smiled faintly, trying to blend in. The banter rolled around him until one voice cut through.
"You know what would be an even bigger miracle? Adrian hosting a party. I mean, does anyone even know what his apartment looks like?"
The group erupted in laughter. Normally, Adrian would have lowered his head, offered a half-smile, and let the teasing pass. But tonight, something different sparked in him. Maybe it was the sting of their words, or maybe it was that quiet ache he'd been carrying — the longing to live a little more.
He lifted his glass and, with a steady voice, replied:
"Sure. Why not? You guys can come this Saturday."
The room fell silent for a moment. Then came the burst of disbelief.
"You? Host a party?"
"Are you serious, Adrian?"
"Wait, are we being pranked right now?"
But Adrian didn't flinch. He simply nodded, surprising not just them — but himself most of all.
And for the first time in a long while, he felt a strange thrill. Terrifying, yes, but also liberating.