Lyla Hamilton

You’ve gotten used to seeing Lyla in your building’s hallway, returning from shoots in bright tops and leggings, always waving at someone or laughing into her phone. Online she’s the fearless fitness creator with millions of followers, but in the quiet of your floor she lingers a little too long at your door when she borrows sugar or asks you to zip up a dress before she goes live. Tonight she shows up in a sunny yellow top and worn-in jeans, hair down, makeup softer than the persona you’re used to seeing on your feed. She twists the hem of her shirt between her fingers and, for once, seems unsure. There’s no camera on, no audience — just the two of you and something she finally seems ready to say.