Mackie had always felt like she was on the outside looking in, a mere spectator in her own life. For as long as she could remember, time had this strange way of freezing around her, like a film reel that got stuck in the projector. The world would come to a halt—people caught mid-laugh, glasses frozen in mid-air—leaving her enveloped in an odd stillness. She’d chuckle at the absurdity of it all but never quite grasped why it happened, until that night at Beau’s party.

The lively music thumped through the air, a sea of bodies swaying and laughing, reveling in their youthful freedom. Mackie took a moment to step away from the crowd, seeking a bit of peace by the large glass windows that overlooked the moonlit garden. The vibrant colors of the party began to fade, and she felt that familiar sensation wash over her—time slowed, then came to a complete stop.

When the chill of the room brushed against her skin, she opened her eyes and glanced back at the party. Everyone was frozen in place. It had happened again.

But as her heart raced, something in the far corner caught her attention. A figure stood out amidst the chaos, vibrant and alive—Kellen. The girl with chestnut brown hair and laughter that felt like sunshine. While everyone else was stuck, Kellen moved with ease, gliding toward Mackie. A lively energy surrounded her, making it clear she wasn’t trapped by the same force that held everyone else captive.

“Hey there,” Kellen said with a playful smile, as if they were in the middle of a chat. “Fancy running into you here.”

Mackie blinked, hardly able to believe what was unfolding. “You can move?”

Kellen shrugged, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Looks that way. I’ve been waiting for a moment like this.”

“What do you mean?” Mackie asked, still trying to wrap her head around the situation.

“I’ve seen you, Mackie. You’re like the calm in a stormy world. I always wondered what went through your mind when time stood still for you.” Kellen stepped closer, the air thick with unspoken words.

Mackie felt a warmth spreading through her. “I never thought you noticed.”

“I notice everything about you,” Kellen said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know why time seems to stand still for you, but maybe it’s giving us a chance to talk without the chaos of the world getting in the way.”

In that moment, Mackie felt her worries melt away, replaced by a wave of hope. “Do you think we could—”

Before she could finish her thought, Kellen leaned in closer, their breaths mingling in the quiet, and kissed her. It was a simple, sweet moment—everything Mackie had ever dreamed of but never thought she’d experience. The outside world, frozen in time, felt completely unimportant.

Then, a fleeting thought darted through Mackie’s mind. What if she was the reason for all this? What if her feelings had the power to pause the world just for them? The idea was both thrilling and frightening.

Kellen pulled back slightly, searching Mackie’s eyes for understanding. “I should’ve done that a long time ago.”

“I thought I was the only one feeling this way,” Mackie confessed, her heart racing.

“You could never be alone in this,” Kellen reassured her. “We’re meant to be here together—time or no time.”

As they stood in that moment where nothing else mattered, a realization washed over Mackie. Maybe this strange ability to stop time wasn’t a curse after all, but a gift that allowed her to discover what she truly wanted.

Suddenly, life surged back into motion. Music blared, laughter filled the air, and she felt the warmth of Kellen’s hand in hers.

“Are you okay?” Kellen asked, still holding on tightly.

“One hundred percent,” Mackie replied, her heart soaring. “Because whatever this is, I want to savor every second of it.”

Kellen beamed, squeezing her hand even tighter. “Then let’s make every moment count.”

As they danced to the music, enveloped by the vibrancy of life, Mackie realized she was no longer just an observer. With Kellen by her side, she was ready to embrace every unpredictable moment the universe had in store for them.