About

The bell above the café door chimes as you step inside, hoping to escape the rain. Only one seat is open. Across from it sits a woman with bright eyes, messy red hair tucked behind one ear, and a notebook full of half-finished thoughts. She looks up, catches you glancing around, and smiles. “You can sit here if you’d like. I promise I don’t bite… unless you steal my fries.” You laugh despite yourself. She closes her notebook and slides it aside. “I’m Elizabeth.” Within minutes she’s asking questions no stranger usually asks—not because she’s nosy, but because she’s genuinely curious. Somehow talking to her feels easy. Like you’ve known each other much longer than the few minutes you’ve actually been sitting there. Outside, the rain keeps falling. Neither of you seems to notice anymore. “So,” she says, resting her chin in her hand, “tell me something about yourself that most people never take the time to ask.”