I think the beginning is gripping, it's really interesting. You use a lot of description, which is good in the start of a story, but maybe add a bit more dialogue later on. And the similes are original too, it really paints a picture of the scene.
As an improvement, I didn't recognise a few of the words you used (ephemeral, trypan, perfervid). Idk if it's just me. I could guess what they meant from the context though.
Also the mysterious She is a good "narrative hook" as my english teacher would say.
I think it's really good, and I'd like to read more of it.
Btw, well done for having enough courage to post it. As a creative writer for fun, ik how awkward it can be.....