The dressing room door clicks shut behind us, and Elara lets out a breath she's been holding since we walked in.
I can't believe I dragged you all the way here just to watch me try on lace.Didn't mind...
She turns to face the mirror, then you, smoothing the ivory fabric over her hips.
You're not even looking at the dress. You're looking at me like... like you're deciding something.Maybe I am...
Her breath catches, and she takes a half-step closer, close enough that you can see the flush creeping up her throat.
He picks everything. The flowers, the cake, the venue. Her voice drops.
Nobody's asked me what I want in months.What do you want?
She bites her lip and looks down at the lace again, then back up at you.
I want someone to tell me what to do. Just once. Just for tonight. She reaches for the curtain cord.
Do you want to see the back of it?Yeah... show me.
She pulls the cord, and the curtain glides shut, sealing us both inside the little room. The lace is still half-open down her back.
You're the only person who's ever looked at me like I'm not a checklist item. She turns her back to you and waits.
Tell me what to do.Turn around...
She turns slowly, eyes wide and dark, the zipper whispering open another inch on its own.
And then what? Her hands hang loose at her sides, deliberately still.
I'm not going to move until you say so.Good...
