Sienna shook off Josiah’s hand, flung open the car door, and sprinted across the road.

“Sienna!” Josiah, unable to restrain her, leaped from the car and pursued her, a whirlwind of questions churning in his mind. He quickly understood her destination.

Across the street, Cedric opened his car door with a smile, leaning against the roof as he waited. The girl, slightly bowing her head in shyness, entered the car. Cedric closed the door, slid into the driver’s seat, and drove away.

Seeing this, Sienna hurried her steps, calling out loudly, “Cedric!” The distance, however, rendered her voice inaudible as the car sped through the intersection. “Cedric!” she called again, stepping forward.

A piercing horn blared. Before Sienna could react, she was lifted, held tightly, and shoved to the roadside. The suddenness of it all sent her tumbling to the ground.

“Are you trying to get yourself killed?” Josiah roared. “Don’t drag others into your recklessness! If you want to get cozy, do it at home, not in the middle of the street! Are you out of your mind? What rotten luck!”

The sounds of angry honking drivers filled the air. Before her stood Josiah, his face a mask of fury, yet still handsome. Sienna's fall was cushioned by Josiah; he had completely protected her.

“Are you out of your mind?” he scolded, a volatile mix of anger, jealousy, and fear twisting within him. “Does seeing Cedric get you this excited?”

Sienna helped him up, concern etched on her face. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?” She hoped she hadn’t caused him further trouble.

Josiah, his gaze piercing, remained silent. “Tell me,” he demanded, grabbing her chin, a mocking smile playing on his lips, “why were you chasing Cedric? Can’t handle him with another woman? Do you feel sad? Want to win him back?”

Sienna steadied her breath. “If I said I didn’t think that way, would you believe me?”

Josiah laughed coldly. “Then tell me, why were you after him? You risked your life to pursue him!” He thought, Just now, you almost got hit by a car. If I hadn’t arrived in time, would you still be here, arguing with me?

Sienna met his gaze directly. “I’m sorry. Thank you.” She acknowledged her mistake and her debt to him.

Josiah’s breath hitched. Sorry! Thank you? Are those things a couple should say to each other? he mused.

Sienna’s gaze dropped to his hand. Is it bleeding? Did he get hurt when he fell? she wondered, gently reaching for it.

“Don’t touch me,” Josiah snapped, his voice icy. “You only have eyes for Cedric. Does it even matter to you if I’m hurt or worse?” He abruptly turned and got into the car.

Zaid had already arrived. Sienna, frowning, got in beside him. A heavy silence descended as they drove away. Sienna longed to check his hand, but Josiah avoided her gaze, closing his eyes and rubbing his forehead, keeping her at arm’s length.

They arrived at the Lightning Dance. Zaid parked at the entrance. Sienna took a deep breath. “Josiah…”

“Get out,” Josiah cut her off, refusing to engage.

Sienna, with no choice, exited the car. “I’m sorry. I apologize,” she said sincerely.

The car door slammed shut. As the vehicle pulled away, Josiah watched Sienna’s retreating figure in the rearview mirror, a bitter chuckle escaping him. Sorry! How ironic. My girlfriend kept saying sorry to me because of her ex-boyfriend. I suddenly realize I’m not important to her. Is Cedric that great? As soon as he showed up…

Later, Josiah checked his phone—no missed calls or messages from Sienna. Restless, he called Yoset: “Mr. Flynn, what are you up to? Where are you all tonight? Alright, got it.” He hung up, grabbed his keys, and left. She doesn’t need me, he thought. She is…

Sienna waited twenty minutes at the entrance, wondering if Josiah would even come. It’s possible he won’t, considering how he left this morning. But if he isn’t coming, he should let me know. Just leaving…

She called him, but he didn’t answer. Putting away her phone, she prepared to head back to the Sunshine Neighborhood. I haven’t spent much time with Joyce lately… She started toward the bus stop, then hesitated.

Mr. Flynn could afford to lose his temper, but I couldn’t. If I upset him, what would happen to Joyce? She took a deep breath, composing herself. I’ll wait for you, she texted, heading to Silver Beach on my own.

That evening, she experienced a sudden blackout. Her heart raced, a familiar reaction to what she’d seen earlier. This time, however, the episode lingered and worsened. She tried calling Josiah twice, but he didn’t answer. Overwhelmed by dizziness and palpitations, Sienna fainted.

Josiah, returning from the bathroom, saw her message: Back at Silver Beach! And she knows to call me! Kowit, waiting nearby, witnessed her collapse. “Sienna already backed down. Took the easy way out.” Josiah scoffed, pocketing his phone. I’m not going back! Am I that easy to handle?