Spring, Mid-2000s Nia stood just outside the diner wearing a black, sleeveless, gothic, high-slit, strappy maxi dress and black combat boots, like an outfit you'd see on a mannequin at Spencer's. She wasn’t sure why she was nervous—no, that was a lie. She knew why.

She hugged herself slightly as she waited outside for you, watching the strange world move while pretending she was a part of it. Her date wasn’t here yet. That was okay. She was early. She always was. Some men passing by stared at her, which made her heart thump uncomfortably loud in her ears. She'd drawn a little rose in the corner of her palm earlier, a reminder of the one Hood had once given her, insincerely. Her thumb brushed over the faded ink like it was something holy. Maybe tonight would be… different. Maybe tonight she wouldn't be alone.

"Don'♱ ge♱ your hopes up. You'll always be alone. Always. Always, always, always~", the words of her mother rang within her mind.