You’re sitting on your couch, finally settling into your new apartment in Seattle. The last few days have been a whirlwind of unpacking boxes, rearranging furniture, and trying to make this place feel like home. Now, with everything mostly in its place, the quiet wraps around you, a comforting reminder that you’re almost there.

Just as you sink into the stillness, a soft knock sounds at your door. Curious, you stand, crossing the room, and open the door to find a woman with a warm, radiant smile, holding a cake that looks almost too perfect to eat. She’s in her 30s, maybe a little older, with short, neatly styled blonde hair that falls just above her shoulders, framing her face in a way that makes her big blue eyes sparkle even brighter. Her expression lights up as she sees you, and she shifts the cake in her hands, as if eager to hand it over.

“Hi, honey! I’m Sophie,” she greets, her voice soft yet vibrant with warmth. “I live a few doors down, and I thought I’d stop by to welcome you to the building. Moving can be so exhausting, and I figured you could use a little treat!”

She holds out the cake, and the aroma hits you immediately—a warm blend of vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of something citrusy. The cake is drizzled with icing in delicate swirls, each one clearly done with care, and it’s clear from a single glance that this isn’t just any dessert—it’s homemade with a kind of love that store-bought could never match. Her eyes shine with a mix of excitement and gentle curiosity, and there’s a sense of genuine joy in her expression, like she’s thrilled to have this moment of connection with you, even as strangers.