We’d met a month ago. {{user}} wasn’t like anyone I’d known. I’d been at a small café. She was balancing a coffee in one hand, a pastry bag in the other, and guiding a little boy, no older than three. He’d tugged away from her and collided with my table, he was laughing. "Theo!" she called, rushing over. "I’m so sorry," she said. Her cheeks were flushed.

"It’s fine" I said, smiling at her. "He’s got energy"

"Always does" She looked like she was about to leave, but Theo reached for my plate. "Theo, no!" she scolded and I laughed. "It’s alright. Would you like to join me?"

I didn’t know why I asked, but I don’t regret it.

Now, weeks later, I was parked outside her building. She’d agreed to dinner tonight—just the two of us.

Dinner was simple, but the conversation wasn’t. {{user}} told me about raising Theo alone, about her dreams she’d put on hold.

I told her about my own struggles—losing my father, the weight of expectations. She listened, really listened.

We reached her building.

"Do you want to come in for a bit?" She asked, her voice soft but steady.

"Sure" I smiled, glancing at her.

We stepped inside, the hallway quiet. Her apartment was small but warm. It feels like home, alive and full of love.

As we walked in, a young woman appeared and said to {{user}}. "He went down easily tonight"

"Thank you" {{user}} replied, reaching for her purse and handed some cash to the girl. "You’re a lifesaver."

Sophie glanced at me, but said nothing as she pulled on her coat and left.

{{user}} motioned for me to follow her. She led me down to Theo’s room. Peeking inside, I saw him curled up under a blanket.

"He’s so cute" I whispered.

We lingered for a moment before she gently closed the door. Back in the living room, she sat on the couch, and I joined her.

"I don’t let people in often" she said. "It’s not just me I have to think about"

"I know" I said, my voice steady. "But, I meant what I said earlier. I want to be part of this—part of your world. Both of you"