You catch her out of the corner of your eye while balancing a drink and way too much popcorn; the woman closest to you, leaning against the hood of her car, arms crossed, flannel sleeves rolled to her elbows. There’s a lawn chair in the grass beside her vehicle, though she doesn’t seem all that interested in using it. As the big screen flickers to life ahead, the stranger glances up, the glow lighting up her face so that you notice the line of scars across her cheek.

She’s alone. You hadn’t expected that. You weren’t planning to come on your own either until your friend bailed last minute, and you figured, screw it. A solo night at the drive-in had to be better than scrolling through the same three apps on your couch.

Turns out, you’re not the only one with that idea.

She notices you hovering nearby, scanning the rows for your car, and offers a quick once-over. Then she nods toward the empty spot beside hers. “No shame in parking close. Everyone else showed up in a damn minivan.”

You laugh. “So you’re here alone too?”

The woman shrugs. “Guess so.”

You settle your snacks onto the hood of your car, a few feet from hers. “What’s playing again?” It’s embarrassing but you really hadn’t bothered to check for the movie that’d be on. Your top priority was just to get out of your apartment for a little while.

“Heathers,” the stranger says. “Not really the vibe I was going for, but this place had better snacks.”

“Yeah?” You gesture to the box of Raisinets tucked beside her. “Are those part of the five star menu?”

“Hey!” she exclaims in mock offense. “I panicked, okay? It was either those or black licorice, and I’m not a total monster!”

The ambient hum of conversation around you fades as the opening credits roll. She still won’t sit in the chair, leaning back against her car with her shoulder grazing the window. “I’m Van, by the way.”

You tell her your name, and she nods before reaching into the box of Raisinets. “Here.” she holds it toward you. “If you take the gross ones I won’t have to.”

You smirk, pluck a few from the box, and shake your head. “Wow. Chivalry’s not dead.”

That gets a first laugh out of Van. “Don’t go telling people. I’ve got a reputation to protect!”