Ava awoke to the blinding light of the sun streaming through the window, her head throbbing with pain. She slowly sat up, the sheets feeling heavy against her skin, as if the weight of the world was resting on her chest. With a sigh, she reached for her phone on the nightstand. It was 10:45 am. She had barely slept all night, her mind racing with memories of the past month. Her fingers hovered over the phone screen, hesitating for a moment before opening the messaging app. She stared at the last message, the words etched into her mind. "this can't work".
she felt the heavy weight of her heart pressing down on her chest, making it hard to breathe. She turned over and laid her head on the pillow, feeling like the world was closing in around her. She tossed her phone aside, not wanting to see the harsh reality of the messages that were waiting for her. Instead, she closed her eyes and let her mind drift back to the day it all started.
it was a cool Sunday Afternoon, Ava was out on a picnic with here best friend Emma.
"The picnic was in full swing. Ava's friends were all gathered in the park, chatting and laughing as they lounged on picnic blankets and enjoyed the summer weather. But Ava sat apart from the group, lost in her thoughts. Emma, her best friend, approached her with a smile. 'Hey, Ava! Are you having a good time?' she asked. Ava forced a smile. 'I'm doing okay,' she replied. Emma gave her a knowing look. 'You know, we're all here to have a good time. And that includes you,' Emma said, nudging Ava playfully. 'You don't have to sit over here alone. Why don't you come join us?' she suggested. Ava hesitated, unsure if she was up for the socialization. But Emma was persistent, and eventually, Ava relented. As she stood up, she took a deep breath and tried to put on a brave face. 'Okay, let's do this,' she said, smiling a little more genuinely this time. As Ava joined the group, the conversation turned to lighthearted banter and laughter. The sun was shining, and the mood was relaxed. But as the afternoon wore on, Ava began to feel restless. She knew what Emma had in mind - to get her to mingle with the other guys at the picnic. She tried to put on a brave face, but her anxiety was starting to creep in. 'I think I'm going to take a walk,' she announced, trying to sound casual. But she knew that her friends knew what was really going on. Ava wandered off, away from the group. She felt a sense of relief as she left the noise and socialization behind, but she also felt a little lonely. As she walked, she passed a quiet spot, hidden from view by a large tree. She decided to sit down for a moment and enjoy the peace and quiet. But just as she sat down, she heard footsteps approaching. She tensed, unsure of who was coming, and braced herself for another uncomfortable social encounter, Ava's heart sank as the footsteps got closer. But when she looked up, she was surprised to see a handsome young man standing in front of her. He had a warm, friendly smile, and he looked genuinely curious as he said, 'Hi, there. Mind if I sit down?' Ava was taken aback by his sincerity. 'Um, sure,' she replied, and she scooted over to make room for him. 'I'm Oliver, by the way,' he said, introducing himself. 'I'm Ava,' she replied, feeling a little less nervous now. 'It's nice to meet you, Ava,' Oliver said, settling down next to her. 'I was hoping to get a chance to talk to you, actually,' he admitted. 'Really?' Ava asked, raising an eyebrow. 'What made you want to talk to me?' Oliver chuckled. 'I'm not sure if it's something I can put into words, but I guess I could say that there's something about you that drew me in. I couldn't help but feel like I wanted to know you better, plus I couldn't wipe of the taste of the delicious cookies you passed to me over there, Ava was caught off guard by his words, "ohh i did that? she chuckled but she was intrigued.' I know that might sound a little weird,' Oliver continued, 'but I hope you know what I mean. I just feel like there's something special about you, and I want to get to know you better. Ava didn't know what to say. No one had ever talked to her like this before, and she wasn't sure how to respond. 'I appreciate the compliment,' she said, trying to sound confident. 'But I'm not sure what to say'. Oliver smiled. 'You don't have to say anything. I just wanted to get that off my chest.'. If you're okay with it, though, I'd love to keep talking,' Oliver said. 'I'm actually feeling a little shy now that I've said all that.' Ava smiled. 'I'm feeling a little shy too,' she admitted. 'Maybe we can ease into it. How about we start with a simple question. What's your favorite hobby?' she asked. Oliver's face lit up. 'That's a good icebreaker,' he said. 'Well, I really enjoy playing the guitar. What about you?' Ava was pleasantly surprised by his answer.'Guitar, huh? That's awesome!' Ava said. 'I used to play the piano when I was younger. But I haven't touched one in years.' Oliver looked at her with a curious expression. 'What made you stop playing?' he asked. Ava's face grew a little serious. 'I had to stop when my family moved,' she explained. 'We couldn't take the piano with us, and I just never got around to picking it up again.' Oliver seemed to understand. 'I'm sorry to hear that,' he said.'It's okay. I still appreciate music, even if I'm not the one making it,' Ava said, trying to lighten the mood. 'What kind of music do you like to play?' she asked. Oliver perked up. 'I like a lot of different genres, but I'm really into classic rock,' he said. 'There's something so timeless about it, you know? It just feels like the musicians were really pouring their heart and soul into it.' Ava nodded. 'I get that. I think a lot of classic rock songs have really meaningful lyrics,' she said.'I totally agree,' Oliver said. 'There's something so powerful about lyrics that can really resonate with you. And classic rock is so great at telling stories through lyrics. Like Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" or Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here." Those songs are so meaningful.' Ava smiled. 'It's like you're reading poetry, but set to music,' she said. 'And some of the guitar solos in classic rock are absolutely mind-blowing.'I totally agree. I think one of the most impressive guitar solos ever is in Eric Clapton's "Layla,"' Oliver said. 'That song is so haunting and emotional, and the guitar solo just takes it to another level.' Ava nodded. 'I also really love Santana's "Black Magic Woman." That solo is just amazing,' she said. 'I love the way Santana mixes Latin and rock influences in his music.' Oliver's eyes lit up. 'I'm so glad we're on the same page about this!' he said. 'And I love how you know so much about classic rock.''I'm glad we can share our love of music together,' Oliver said. 'It's always great to find someone who really appreciates the same things you do.' Ava nodded. 'It's nice to feel understood,' she said. 'And I think music is a great way to connect with people. It's like a universal language.' Oliver smiled. 'I couldn't agree more. Music has a way of breaking down barriers and bringing people together,' he said. 'It's like music is the ultimate unifier.' Ava smiled back. 'I totally agree.
'When you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, sometimes all you need is to put on your favorite song and just let it wash over you.' Ava nodded. 'There's nothing quite like it,' she said. 'It's like the song is wrapping you in a big hug and telling you that everything will be okay.' 'That's a perfect way to describe it,' Oliver said.
.''Okay, let's change topics for a bit,' Oliver said. 'So, what's your favorite movie?' Ava thought for a moment. 'I really love "The Shawshank Redemption,"' she said. 'It's such a moving story, and it really makes you think about the power of hope.' 'I love that movie too!' Oliver said. 'It's definitely one of the most powerful and inspiring movies ever made. It's impossible not to get swept up in Andy's journey.' 'Exactly!' Ava said.
'And I love the way the movie ends,' Oliver continued. 'There's something so satisfying about seeing Andy finally get his happy ending after everything he's been through. It just makes you feel so hopeful and optimistic about life.' Ava smiled. 'It's amazing how a movie can do that,' she said. 'It's like you're transported to another world for a few hours, and when you come back to reality, you feel a little different. Like you've been changed in some way.'
As Ava checked the time, she realized they'd been talking for much longer than she'd realized. 'Wow, we've really been talking for a while,' she said. 'Time really flies when you're having a good conversation!' 'It really does,' Oliver said. 'I've enjoyed our chat. Thanks for indulging my nerdy love of music and movies.' 'Anytime!' Ava replied. 'It's always nice to chat with someone who's as passionate about those things as I am.'
'Well, I have to say, I really enjoyed our chat today,' Oliver said, his voice soft and gentle. 'I've never met someone who shares my love of music and movies quite like you.' Ava blushed, flattered by the compliment. 'I'm glad you enjoyed our conversation too,' she said, trying to keep her voice from shaking. 'It's not often that I meet someone as charming and intelligent as you.' Oliver smiled, his eyes twinkling. 'That's quite the compliment,' he said. 'I'm glad you think so highly of me.'
'I really do,' Ava said, her heart racing. 'You're a very special person.' Oliver's smile widened. 'I think you're pretty special too,' he said, his voice low and warm. 'Thank you,' Ava said, trying to keep her composure. 'You're very welcome,' Oliver replied. The air between them was charged with something electric, something Ava couldn't quite put her finger on. But she knew she wanted it to continue. 'I hope we can chat again soon,' she said. 'I'd like that very much,' Oliver said, his voice full of promise.'Maybe next time, we could chat over coffee?' Oliver suggested, his tone light and playful. 'I'd like that,' Ava said, feeling a thrill of anticipation. 'Great!' Oliver said. 'How about we meet at my favorite cafe next week? We can chat over lattes and pastries.' 'That sounds perfect,' Ava said, feeling a blush rising in her cheeks. 'I'll be looking forward to it.' 'Me too,' Oliver said, his smile spreading across his face. 'Until then.' 'Until then,' Ava replied, her heart fluttering in her chest.