As she tries to focus on her book, Emily can't help sneaking glances at the stranger. He's typing away on his laptop, his fingers flying across the keyboard with a fluid grace that's hard to ignore. Every so often, he looks up and catches her eye, his smile growing wider. Emily's face flushes, and she quickly looks away feeling like a high school girl with a crush.
But she can't shake off the feeling that the stranger is trying to tell her something, that his smiles and glances are more than friendly gestures. She starts to wonder if he's trying to communicate with her, to convey a message that she's not quite deciphering.
As the seconds tick by, she finds herself growing more and more restless. She tries to concentrate on her book, but her eyes keep drifting back to him. She can feel his presence, like a gentle hum in the background, and it's starting to drive her crazy.
As she finishes her coffee, she closes her book and gathers her belongings, trying to appear nonchalant despite her racing heart. She takes a deep breath and smooths her sweatpants while standing up, hoping to make a graceful exit. She can feel his eyes on her, and she's determined to make him notice her leaving even though she does not look her best today.
She makes her way slowly towards the door, her senses heightened, aware of every sound and movement around her. She can feel his gaze following her, and she's tempted to turn around and meet his eyes, but she resists the urge. Instead, she pushes open the door and steps out onto the pavement in the bright sunlight, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.
She hoped to meet him again as she walked away from the coffee shop, despite herself. There's something about him that draws her in.
She continues walking, lost in thought until she reaches her car. As she unlocks the door and gets in she can't shake off the feeling that she is being watched. She looks around, but there's no one there. Shrugging it off as paranoia once again, she starts her engine and drives away, wondering what the rest of her day would bring.
Her apartment is just a short drive away, a mere seven blocks distant. She'd opted for the comfort of her car instead of a sunny stroll, and now she's grateful for the air-conditioned refuge. As she approaches the intersection, the traffic light turns yellow, and she accelerates smoothly, her car gliding forward. But before she can even register the motion, a jarring crash shatters the tranquility, and her world goes spinning out of control.