The awnings gravity

The night thickened around Ryan as he followed Chad. He couldn't get enough air into his lungs as his hollow footsteps rang across the street. Maybe I should turn around now. This isn't worth it.

But he couldn't help himself. He put one foot after another, heart hammering in his chest, blood swishing behind his ears. The sidewalk was mostly empty. Occasionally they walked by a group of freshmen lugging their books. Once a couple skirted them without taking the time to glance up from each other.

No. He should turn around right now. But in the distance, he could make out the light spilling out from underneath a green awning. White letters scrawled out the word, "Lanassi's" across the side. It was only a block away. He was only a block away from knowing whether this was just a casual get together between friends, or if she was really cheating on him.

The awning must have generated its own gravity. His paced quickened like he was being sucked towards it. Passing Chad, he almost broke into a full run.

And then the door opened.

And Alice walked out.

He stopped, watching as she smiled. That was his smile. The smile he saw when she woke up in the morning and looked at him. The smile she had on right before he shut off the light. The smile she had when she said, "I love you." or "I'm sorry."

And she was smiling at some other guy with it.

Right then, he saw red.