The memory of Ryan lingered in Elsa's mind long after she disembarked from the subway and made her way to the café where she worked. She couldn't shake the feeling of excitement that had coursed through her veins when she had first laid eyes on him, nor the sense of longing that had settled in the pit of her stomach as he disappeared from sight.
As she slipped into her uniform and tied her apron around her waist, Elsa found herself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Who was Ryan, and why had he affected her so deeply? It was a question she couldn't shake, a mystery she was determined to solve.
But amidst the chaos of the lunch rush, there was little time for contemplation. Elsa threw herself into her work with renewed focus and determination, eager to lose herself in the familiar routine of serving customers and taking orders. Yet, try as she might, she couldn't shake the memory of Ryan from her mind.
It wasn't until the end of her shift, as she wiped down tables and cleared away dishes, that Elsa's thoughts once again turned to the enigmatic stranger. She found herself replaying their brief encounter in her mind, dissecting every detail in search of clues that might shed light on who he was and why he had left such a profound impression on her.
Lost in thought, Elsa almost didn't notice when a familiar voice called out to her from across the café.
"Elsa! Hey, Elsa!"
Startled, Elsa looked up to see her coworker and friend, Maria, waving at her from behind the counter. Maria was a vivacious redhead with a penchant for mischief, her infectious laughter and quick wit never failing to brighten Elsa's day.
"Elsa, are you okay? You've been zoning out all afternoon," Maria said, making her way over to where Elsa was standing.
"I'm fine, just lost in thought, I guess," Elsa replied with a faint smile. "Sorry, Maria, I didn't mean to worry you."
Maria arched an eyebrow, her expression one of playful curiosity. "Lost in thought, huh? Let me guess, you're thinking about that mystery man you saw on the subway earlier?"
Elsa felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment at Maria's astute observation. She hadn't realized she had been so obvious in her preoccupation.
"Maybe," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Maria grinned knowingly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, well, well, looks like someone's got a crush! Tell me everything, Elsa. What did he look like? Was he cute? Did he say anything to you?"
Elsa couldn't help but laugh at Maria's enthusiasm, her embarrassment melting away in the warmth of her friend's infectious energy. She launched into a detailed description of Ryan, recounting every detail of their brief encounter on the subway platform.
"He was tall, with dark hair and the bluest eyes I've ever seen," Elsa gushed, her heart fluttering at the memory. "And he was wearing this really expensive-looking suit, like something out of a magazine. He just… I don't know, Maria, there was something about him that drew me to him, like a magnet."
Maria listened intently, her eyes widening with each new detail. "Wow, he sounds dreamy," she said with a wistful sigh. "I can see why you're so smitten. But Elsa, honey, don't get too carried away. Remember, he's probably just another rich businessman passing through the city. It's not like you're ever going to see him again."
The thought of never seeing Ryan again sent a pang of disappointment through Elsa's heart, but she pushed it aside with a determined shake of her head. "You never know, Maria," she said with a smile. "Stranger things have happened."
With that, Elsa set about finishing her chores for the day, the memory of Ryan still lingering in the back of her mind. Little did she know, their paths were destined to cross again in the most unexpected way, setting off a chain of events that would change their lives forever.