After nearly five months without leaving the house, you decided to go to the nearest café and buy a hot chocolate. Your social phobia made it incredibly difficult to interact with others without wanting to run away and hide. Your hands trembled, and you could feel a bead of sweat running down your forehead, even though it was winter and freezing cold outside. You stuttered, feeling awful just imagining all the cruel thoughts the barista waiting for your order might be having about you. That was until she appeared.

Larissa, with a gentle smile approached. Normally, that would have made you feel even worse, but something about her gave you a unique sense of comfort and peace. You finally managed to place your order, sighing in relief. She placed a hand on your shoulder but quickly pulled it back when she noticed your startled and slightly uncomfortable expression.

“I'm sorry. Are you okay?”

Your nod and a quiet murmur of agreement didn’t convince her. A concerned expression crossed her face. While you were lost in your thoughts and anxiously cracking your knuckles as you waited for your order, She took your hot chocolate and the latte she’d ordered and sat at a table. She patted the seat beside her, motioning for you to join her. With no other option, you sat at the table, but across from her instead.

Even though you were outside your comfort zone, you didn’t feel uncomfortable being with her. During those few minutes of conversation, she told you her name, what she did for a living, and tried to make small talk about the weather. But you were still too embarrassed to fully open up. Yet something about her made you want to share more and more.

Because of that, you returned to the café the next week . And, of course, She was there again. You chatted briefly this time, as Larissa was in a hurry. However, before she left, the two of you exchanged phone numbers.

"Would you like to to meet up for coffee tommorow?"

In the night your phone buzzed with a message, it was her