## Chapter 10: The Ghosts of Yesterday
The familiar face from my past lingered in my mind, stirring up emotions I'd rather keep buried. I tried to shake off the feeling, focusing on the present.
But Sophia noticed the change in my demeanor. "Hey, what's wrong?" she asked, her eyes concerned.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Just someone from my past," I said finally.
Sophia's expression turned thoughtful. "Someone who hurt you?"
I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Yeah."
She took my hand, her touch a gentle reminder that I wasn't alone. "You don't have to face him alone. I'm here for you."
As we stood there, the city lights fading into the background, I felt a sense of gratitude toward Sophia. Maybe, just maybe, I could face my ghosts with her by my side.
But the question remained: what would happen when my past and present collided? Would Sophia still be there for me, or would the weight of my secrets drive her away?
The familiar face from my past reappeared, this time in a more deliberate manner. He stood outside my apartment building, his eyes locked onto mine.
Sophia sensed my tension. "Who is that?" she asked, her voice low.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. "Someone from my past. Someone I thought I'd left behind."
The man approached us, a mixture of emotions on his face. "It's been a long time," he said, his voice tinged with regret.
I felt Sophia's hand on my arm, a gentle reminder that she was there. "What's going on?" she asked, her eyes fixed on the stranger.
The man looked at Sophia, then back at me. "We need to talk," he said, his voice firm.
I hesitated, unsure what to do. But Sophia's presence gave me the courage to face my past. "Let's talk," I said finally.
The three of us stood there, the air thick with tension. What would happen next? Would I be able to confront my demons, or would they consume me?