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Sarah Thompsom. 

Sunday finally arrived. Today was such an important day; the event would be soon.
After having a good lunch, I called my friends Julia and Sabrina, wanting to know if they were already getting ready. The two told me that soon they would be there, waiting for me.
I was excited, saying that I would see them in a few hours, then I spoke to my cousin, Peter, saying that he would be the first to arrive; he wouldn’t miss this day for anything.
My parents will also, even having a busy schedule due to work, be present on this day, which is so significant for me. That made me very happy.
After a bath, I stood in front of the mirror. I picked up one of my favorite clothes: a light pink dress that suited me very well. I put a silver necklace with a heart-shaped pendant and finished with small silver earrings.
I decided to wear medium heels—comfortable but elegant—and finished with soft makeup, pink tones that highlighted my eyes and lips, and a delicate gloss. I left my hair down, with soft curls at the ends, and I was perfect.
Smiled at my reflection, approving. Then I went to the parking lot and got in the car. While driving, I thought mentally about what I would say there to everyone in front of me.
All those people I didn’t know, I started to get nervous about it. But I shook my head and tried to be confident... I needed to be...
"Don’t be like that; I’m sure everything will work out, so just... smile, think positive. '' I said, encouraging me.
When I arrived, it was already 4 p.m.; I parked in front of the hall of the publisher. The facade was beautiful. Arrangements of white and yellow flowers surrounded the entrance, and security checked the invitations of those who arrived. No one entered without authorization, which made everything even more exclusive and safe, of course.
I walked up to the entrance and said my name.
The security guard checked my name and nodded.
I gave my invitation; he took it and then let me pass. As I walked, I was jaw-dropping by everything I saw: several round tables lined up, covered with a light yellow fabric.
In the center of the hall, there was a long table for writers and editorial staff. The red carpet passed through the central hall. In the side rooms, there was living space with new sofas, a minibar, and even a small indoor pool. Everything was so beautiful that I was ecstatic.
I took a deep breath and walked through the hall, observing every detail from the flowers, the vases, the subtle lighting, and the light wood furniture. Then, the editor Sam appeared with a wide smile, embracing me with enthusiasm.
"Sarah, how good you are that you have arrived!" she exclaimed, happy. "We were asking for you. Come on, I’ll show you your place."
She led me to the long table where the writers sat, near her desk. Sam introduced me to everyone: Octávio, author of contemporary short stories; Ana, specialist in historical novels; and Flower, a lively young woman who wrote erotic romance.
In a few moments, I was able to talk to the group; although not very sociable, I created courage to chat. They were happy to meet me, said that later they would meet us to exchange experiences and the like.
When I turned around, I saw that the hall was crowded. The guests were taking their seats, and everyone was silent.
Soon, a soft sound began to pulsate, indicating the beginning of the event.
Sam went on stage and, with the microphone in his hand, greeted everyone:
“Welcome to our gathering! Today, our authors will share an excerpt from their stories, each writer covering a different theme. I'm sure you've all enjoyed getting to know their work.”
As Sam spoke, I felt my gaze sweep across the room, searching for a presence that mattered more than any other guest: Edgar.
Did he come? I thought, my heart racing.
I hope so... I want to see him again so badly.
I searched every row of tables and, to my joy, found him sitting in the fourth row.
Edgar was so beautiful, with his eyes fixed on me, analyzing every move I made. When our eyes collided, he smiled: a loving and sweet smile that made my heart beat...
Ahhh, he’s here... I don’t believe it.
I couldn’t hide my happiness; that’s what I wanted.
That simple exchange of glances was enough to make me feel even happier. My nervousness gave way to a sense of peace.
The event continued with readings by the authors sitting next to me. I listened attentively to each one as they stood up.
When my name was announced by the publisher, Sam, I stood up with the most confident smile I could muster.
I walked to the stage, feeling Edgar's gaze encouraging me with every step.
I saw my friends too, my cousins, in the front row of tables. I smiled at them and then took a deep breath; now was the time.
In front of everyone, I raised the microphone and let my voice out.
“Hello everyone, I'm Sarah Thompson; it's a pleasure to be here. Today I'm going to share my latest release and the new book I'm working on. I hope you like it.
I began to share an excerpt from my fantasy novel about my characters' struggles to be together and from the second book. I mentioned the overwhelming love of a young woman who was attracted to a stranger who bumped into him by chance and couldn't stop thinking about him since then.
The audience listened in silence, and when I finished, applause echoed through the hall.
I thanked everyone and returned to my seat. When I sat down, Edgar was still looking at me with that peculiar gleam in his eyes. That look drove me crazy.
When all the authors had shared a little about their books, the second part of the event began, with snacks, music, and conversation.
I received compliments and hugs from my colleagues and the publisher.
I talked to them for a while and then said I was going to find my friends.
I started walking towards Edgar's table. He was sitting alone. I caught his attention, and his eyes met mine. I sat down next to him.
“So, what did you think? Did you enjoy coming?” I waited for him to answer.
I wondered... did he realize that the protagonist said she met the protagonist by chance, that I was inspired by our encounter at the bookstore? I confess that he inspired me, the protagonist of my book.
The question was... did he know that or not?