Chapter 3: The Mysterious Stranger

I stood outside The Daily Grind Coffee Shop, my heart racing with anticipation. The receipt note had instructed me to meet someone here at 2 pm, but I had no idea who or what to expect.

As I entered the coffee shop, I scanned the room for any familiar faces. But everyone seemed to be a stranger, typing away on their laptops or chatting with friends.

I took a deep breath and approached the counter. "Hi, I'm here to meet someone," I said to the barista. "Do you know if anyone has left a message for me?"

The barista checked the counter and shook her head. "Sorry, no messages. But you can grab a table and wait if you'd like."

I nodded and took a seat by the window, my eyes scanning the room for any signs of...I didn't know what.

As I waited, I couldn't help but think about the mysterious note and phone calls. Who was behind them? And what did they want from me?

The questions swirled in my head, making me feel dizzy and disoriented. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to calm myself down.

When I opened my eyes again, I noticed a figure standing outside the coffee shop. It was a woman with long, curly brown hair and a bright yellow sundress. She was staring at me through the window, a curious expression on her face.

I felt a jolt of recognition, but I couldn't quite place her. Who was she? And why was she staring at me?

The woman smiled and waved at me, beckoning me to come outside. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should trust her.

But something about her smile put me at ease. I got up from my seat and walked outside, feeling the warm sun on my skin.

"Hi," the woman said, extending her hand. "My name is Sophia. I've been looking for you."

I took her hand, feeling a spark of electricity as our palms touched. "I'm Kae," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Sophia smiled again, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know," she said. "I've been sent to help you."

Help me? What did she mean? I felt a surge of questions, but before I could ask any of them, Sophia glanced around nervously.

"We can't talk here," she said. "Follow me."

And with that, she turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should follow her.

But something about Sophia's words resonated with me. I felt a sense of trust, a sense that she might hold the answers to the mysterious note and phone calls.

I took a deep breath and followed her, my heart pounding in my chest. Where was she leading me? And what would I find when I got there?