An Ordinary Evening

The day at work had dragged on longer than Mia expected, her thoughts clouded by that strange, unsettling feeling that had followed her since morning. Even now, as she packed her bag to leave, her mind kept wandering back to the man she had seen across the street from the café. There was nothing overtly threatening about him, yet something about the way he had sat so still, so watchful, unnerved her.

It was silly, she told herself. People sat on benches all the time, minding their own business. She was just stressed, letting her imagination run wild. With a deep breath, Mia shook off the lingering anxiety and checked her phone. A message from Olivia popped up on the screen.

Olivia: Don't forget dinner tonight! I'm starving already!

Mia smiled at the text. Olivia had been her best friend since college, and their weekly dinner dates were the one constant in her life that she could always count on. If there was anyone who could pull her out of her head, it was Olivia. She quickly texted back.

Mia: Leaving now! See you in 10.

The cool evening air greeted Mia as she stepped outside the office, her thoughts still swirling but the promise of a good meal and some much-needed girl talk lifting her spirits. She walked briskly toward the small Italian place where she and Olivia often met after work. The place was warm and cozy, with dim lighting and the smell of fresh bread drifting from the kitchen.

When Mia walked in, Olivia was already seated, waving her over with a grin. "You look like you've had a day," Olivia said as Mia slid into the booth.

"You have no idea," Mia replied, leaning back and letting the comfort of the familiar space wash over her.

Olivia arched an eyebrow. "Work stress or life stress?"

"A little of both," Mia said, shaking her head. She hesitated for a moment, not sure how to explain the strange feeling that had been haunting her all day. "It's probably nothing, but I've felt weird all day. Like… someone was watching me."

Olivia's eyes widened slightly. "Like, stalking you? That's creepy."

Mia laughed softly, trying to brush it off. "No, not like that. It's more like I'm being paranoid. I saw this guy at the café this morning, and I swear, it felt like he was staring right through me. But I'm probably just being dramatic. It's been a stressful week."

Olivia gave her a sympathetic smile as she poured them both some water from the glass pitcher on the table. "Mia, you work too hard. Maybe that's what's making you feel off. You know what you need? Pasta. And wine. Lots of wine."

Mia couldn't help but laugh, grateful for Olivia's lightheartedness. "You're probably right. I've been too wound up lately."

"Then let's fix that," Olivia said, handing her the menu. "We're going all out tonight."

The two of them ordered their usual, fettuccine alfredo for Mia, spaghetti carbonara for Olivia, and a bottle of red wine to share. As they waited for their food, Olivia launched into a story about her chaotic day at work, a mix of client drama and office gossip. Mia listened, her unease slowly melting away with each sip of wine and each laugh shared between them.

By the time their meals arrived, Mia felt lighter, the tight knot of anxiety in her chest loosening. The warm pasta, the familiar company, and the gentle hum of the restaurant all worked to soothe her frayed nerves.

"You know," Mia said between bites of fettuccine, "I think I just needed this. I was letting my mind get away from me. I'm fine now."

Olivia grinned. "That's what I'm here for. You need to let loose more often, Mia. You're always carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Maybe it's time you take a real break, go somewhere, get out of the city for a while."

Mia considered it for a moment. A vacation. The idea was tempting. She hadn't taken time off in years, always focused on work, on building her career, on staying ahead. But maybe Olivia was right. Maybe it was time to step back, to breathe.

"I might take you up on that," Mia said with a smile. "I could use a break."

After dinner, the two of them lingered, finishing off the bottle of wine and chatting about everything and nothing. By the time they left the restaurant, Mia felt like herself again. The strange feeling that had followed her throughout the day was gone, replaced by a warm sense of contentment.

The city streets were quieter now, the hustle of the day giving way to the peaceful hum of the evening. Mia walked alongside Olivia, the cool air refreshing after the cozy warmth of the restaurant.

"Thanks for tonight," Mia said as they reached the corner where they would part ways. "I needed this."

"Anytime," Olivia replied, giving her a quick hug. "Text me when you get home, okay? And seriously, think about that vacation."

Mia laughed. "I will. See you next week?"

"Same time, same place," Olivia said with a wink before turning and heading in the opposite direction.

As Mia walked the rest of the way home, the streets felt safe again, familiar. The unease from earlier seemed distant, almost laughable. She had probably just been overthinking things, like she always did. Her apartment building loomed ahead, a comforting sight after the long day.

But as she reached her door, that small, nagging feeling returned. Just for a moment. Like a shadow passing over her. She paused, glancing back over her shoulder at the quiet street behind her. It was empty.

She shook her head and laughed softly to herself. I really do need a vacation, she thought, unlocking the door and stepping inside, unaware that the man who had been watching her all day had seen the change in her demeanor.

And though she didn't know it, the assassin watching from afar had felt it too, the warmth that Olivia had brought back into her life. For now, the danger was at bay.

But it wasn't gone.