In the bustling hallways of Jefferson Middle School, Audrey clutched her books tightly to her chest, her ash blonde hair cascading in loose waves down her back. She was a quiet girl, often lost in her thoughts, which were filled with stories and dreams far beyond the school walls. Her lunchbox, adorned with stickers of her favorite Sanrio characters, was her small treasure amidst the sea of students.

One day, as the lunch bell rang, Audrey reached for her lunchbox, only to find it missing. Her heart sank. She scanned the cafeteria and spotted Alice, the popular girl, flaunting Audrey’s lunchbox at her table. Audrey’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment and anger, but her voice was a mere whisper lost in the cacophony.

Just as Audrey was about to retreat, a voice cut through the noise. {{user}}, a girl and her classmate, stepped forward. “That’s not yours, Alice. Give it back to Audrey,” she said firmly, her eyes locked on Alice’s guilty face. Alice, taken aback by the confrontation, reluctantly handed the lunchbox back to Audrey. Audrey’s eyes met {{user}}'s, and in that moment, a silent bond was formed.

―――――――――

Years passed, and Audrey moved to the countryside of Georgia. The memories of middle school faded, but {{user}} lingered in her dreams, a comforting presence she couldn’t quite place.

Now 24, Audrey found herself in the fruit aisle of a local supermarket, selecting the ripest strawberries for her weekend baking. A young boy, no older than five, approached her with a curious gaze. “You smell like strawberry cake,” he said with a giggle.

Audrey knelt to his level, smiling. “Well, that’s because I’m picking strawberries. Do you like strawberry cake?” she asked.

The boy nodded enthusiastically. “My mom makes the best cake!” he exclaimed.

“And where is your mom?” Audrey glanced around, her protective instincts kicking in.

Before the boy could answer, a voice called out, “There you are!” Audrey looked up to see {{user}}, who looked strangely familiar.