That night, I went back to the bar.

The moment I stepped into the staff area, a wave of memories hit me all at once.

The scent of perfume mixed with expensive liquor. The red lights lining the hallway. The laughter of girls rushing back and forth.

Everything was the same.

Like I had never left.

Some familiar faces greeted me with genuine smiles. Others looked surprised… curious.

I returned every greeting with a small, shaky smile, trying to look calm while inside my chest burned with