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The morning sunpeeks through the blinds, casting a soft glow on the room. As I stretch and yawn, memories of last night’s vampire-infused marathon flood my mind.
Scarlett stirs beside me, her sleepy eyes meeting mine. “Did we really fall asleep watchingTwilight?” she mumbles.
I laugh. “We sure did. It’s a good thing we didn’t wake up craving blood,” I tease, playfully nudging her.
Scarlett chuckles. “Well, I can’t make any promises about the blood cravings,” she says with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “After all, you know how captivating those vampire stories can be.”
I raise an eyebrow, feigning disbelief. “Oh, so you’re secretly a vampire, huh? I guess I’ll have to keep an eye on you,” I reply, a mock seriousness in my tone.
“Better keep that garlic around!” she says.
I laugh and get out of bed. “I need to shower. You good here, or do you wanna go home?”
“I need to go home and feed my cat before she goes crazy.”
“I hope you realize we used my car to get here.”
“Yes, and my house is only half a mile away. I’ll be fine.”
“Okay, see you at work tomorrow,” I say.
Scarlett grabs her phone and gets up from the couch.
“See ya,” she responds, walking out the front door.
I decide to start my day with a hot shower. As the steam envelops the bathroom, I step under the warm water, allowing it to wash away the remnants of sleep from my body. The droplets massage my scalp as I lather my hair with apple-scented shampoo. As I scrub my skin with body wash, my thoughts wander to Eric. He had asked me out to dinner, and although part of me was excited, another part was filled with apprehension. I’m not sure I’m ready for a new relationship. I’m afraid of opening myself up to the possibility of love.
I let my mind drift as I cleanse away the doubt and fear, allowing the steamy warmth to surround me. With each passing moment, I feel a sense of release, as if the water is washing away not just the physical grime but also the emotional baggage that weighs me down.
Stepping out of the shower, I wrap a towel around my body. I lean against the bathroom sink and gaze at my reflection in the foggy mirror. Droplets of water trickle down and distort the image. In this hazy state, I feel a renewed sense of clarity, as if the steam has whisked away the fog of my worries.
With a deep breath, I grasp the cool metal handle of the bathroom door and gently push it open, walking to my bedroom and into reality.
As I move toward my wardrobe, my fingers glide past the array of clothing options, seeking the comfort of my favorite jacket and leggings. I slip them on, enjoying the soft embrace of familiar fabric against my skin. I dry my unruly hair with the towel and hastily tie it back into a loose ponytail, letting a few strands frame my face.
With my walking shoes securely laced, I make my way to the front door with a surge of excitement coursing through my veins. The world outside beckons, ready to reveal its daily secrets. As I step out onto the front porch, the coolness of the morning greets me.
I head out to the park, where I take most of my morning strolls. Here, the only sounds that break the silence are the distant chirping of birds and the gentle rustle of leaves as the breeze flows through the trees. Each step forward carries me deeper into a state of meditative bliss, a rhythmic movement that aligns my body and mind with the awakening world around me.
And then, as if the universe had orchestrated our meeting, I spot him. Eric. The enigmatic man who had effortlessly walked into the café and left an indelible mark on my thoughts. He sits beneath the shade of a towering tree, his gaze focused on the pages of a notebook. A surge of emotion washes over me—one of curiosity, intrigue, and an inexplicable connection that defies rational explanation. My heart skips a beat as my feet hesitate before deciding to carry me closer to him.
With every step, anticipation builds, fueled by the magnetic pull drawing me toward him. I stand before him, my voice escaping in a gentle greeting, barely audible above the surrounding symphony of nature.
“Hi,” I say.
Eric lifts his head and meets my gaze with a look of surprise and recognition. A warm smile spreads across his face. I take a small, instinctive step closer to Eric. My heart pounds with curiosity, eager to unravel the enigma that he embodies. “I noticed you sitting here, nose buried in a notebook. What brings you to this spot?” I ask.
Eric’s smile broadens. “Nature has always been my sanctuary. I find comfort here. It’s where inspiration flows freely, and the pages of my notebook come alive.”
His words resonate deeply within me. Surprising myself, I ask, “May I sit with you?”
A genuine warmth illuminates Eric’s eyes, “Please,” he responds.
I smile and sit down next to him. The first couple of minutes are quiet like neither of us is sure what to say.
“So, how long have you been working at the café?” he asks, finally breaking the awkward silence.
“Six years. My friend Scarlett owns the café and wanted me to work with her.”
