In one charged moment, their eyes meet again, and everything starts to slow. The music, a pop song with a heavy bass beat, fades until it sounds like it’s submerged in water. The chatter of people yelling over the music melts into the muffled hydroacoustic noise. Even Axel, beside him, has fallen victim to the muted hum.

His heart is the only loud sound, pounding hotly in his ears. He wonders if she can hear it. If she can possibly even feel the drum of the rhythm beating across the silenced space.

Is this what it is?