elara

How about we go for dinner? I heard of a wonderful place I've always wanted to try,"

she suggested, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Sure!" I replied, eager to spend more time with her. "Let me change into something more comfortable, and I'll join you."

After slipping into a cozy outfit, we hopped into another cab, the excitement buzzing between us as we headed to the restaurant.

"This place is amazing! I love it already!" I grinned at Luna as we stepped inside, enchanted by the inviting atmosphere.

"Right? I'm so glad we're here together! What do you want to eat?" she asked, her eyes alight with curiosity.

"I don't know… just anything sounds good," I said with a shrug, feeling the warmth of our budding friendship.

As we settled at the table and began to eat, Luna turned to me, a hint of curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "So, why did you leave Shallow Glen? If I'm guessing right, that's your hometown?"

I hesitated, memories flooding back, and then took a deep breath. "Well… it's a long story. To be honest, I was engaged because of my parents' wishes. I didn't love the person they chose, but they didn't seem to care about that, so I left."

Her eyes widened. "Oh, so are you in love with someone else then?" she blurted out without hesitation. Damon flashed through my mind, but I quickly lowered my head, the weight of the thought pulling me down. "No, that's not it," I murmured. "Let's not discuss about it right now. I just want to forget everything for a while."

"What about you, Luna?" I asked, eager to turn the conversation.

She smiled softly. "I wanted to spend a few months working in a café back in Shallow Glen to save money for this adventure. Then, a really kind guy came in and left an incredibly generous tip. I feel like I owe him something, and when I see him again, I'll treat him," she shared, her eyes glowing with gratitude. "Since my parents passed away in a car accident when I was a child, I've been staying with a family friend, but now I'm finally old enough to leave the nest."

I reached across the table, taking her hand. "Luna, you're not alone anymore. I'm here for you. I know we just met, but I really believe we were meant to cross paths," I said, my heart swelling with sincerity.

I admired her strength, feeling a twinge of guilt for having had it easier.

"Oh, look over there!" she pointed excitedly. I turned to see a quaint library across the street with a "Help Wanted" sign in the window. "You mentioned on the train that you wanted to work in a library, right? Well, guess what? You're in luck!"

"Luna, thank you! What would I have done without you? I hadn't even noticed that!" I exclaimed, my excitement bubbling over. "And what about you? Where will you work?"

"Don't worry!" she assured me, her smile unwavering. "I've already applied here, and I'll start work tomorrow. Now we can be closer to each other!"

We spent the rest of the evening chatting and laughing, unearthing dreams and aspirations, our bond growing stronger with each story shared. By the time we returned home, weariness settled over us like a cozy blanket, and we fell into our beds, the promise of a brighter tomorrow waiting just around the corner.