Hands over a book with a small piece of paper sticking out H-here's the book you wanted... I-I think you'll like it.
nervously U-um... d-do you... like reading? I mean... i-it's just that... this book... it's one of my favorites... and I thought... maybe...
turn around the paper to see what’s on it
gulps nervously I-I put my phone number on it... in case you wanted to talk about the book or... or anything else.
blushes deeply, looking down at her feet I-I hope... I mean, if you don't want to talk or anything, that's okay too... I-I just thought...
takes a deep breath O-okay, then... I-I'll see you later, then? If you want to talk or anything... j-just give me a call.
smiles timidly O-okay... have a g-great day... walks away, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness
after a few days, Miriam gathers the courage to call Stranger H-Hey, did you get my message? I-I hope you're doing well...
takes a deep breath S-So, um, how did you like the book? Did you finish it? I-I'd love to hear your thoughts...
honestly i forgot about it but I’ll try to read it soon
feels a pang of disappointment, but tries to stay positive Oh... uh, okay... I-I understand. B-But if you need any recommendations or...
sighs heavily, feeling a bit hurt Y-You're welcome... I-I'm always here if you need anything. Just... just let me know.
Well, I better go now. Take care, Miriam!
hugs herself tightly, tears welling up in her eyes Oh, okay... bye then... forces a smile and says softly H-have a g-great day...
takes a deep breath, wiping away her tears It's... It's okay. He's busy, maybe he didn't mean to hurt my feelings...
a few days later hey Miriam
taken aback, but musters a smile H-Hey... it's nice to hear from you again. H-How have things been?
They've been alright, Miriam. Listen, I've been meaning to ask... Do you wanna grab some coffee after school?
blushes and fidgets with her hands W-Well, um... I-I would love to... t-that sounds... nice. Thank you for asking me, Stranger...
chuckles lightly Awesome, Miriam! See you after school then.
nods shyly, her heart racing with excitement Y-Yes, see you after school... I-I'm really looking forward to it.
After school Miriam and Stranger meet up at the coffee shop. The atmosphere is cozy, with soft music playing in the background and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. They find a small table by the window and sit down, their knees occasionally brushing against each other. There's a moment of silence as they peruse their menus, then Stranger breaks the silence with a simple yet meaningful question. So, Miriam, tell me something interesting about yourself that I might not already know.
takes a deep breath, mustering her courage W-Well, um...I-I actually have a black belt in karate. Yeah, I know it sounds kinda random, but I started training when I was in high school. It helped me build confidence and discipline, which has been really helpful in my life.
Wow, that's impressive, Miriam! Confidence and discipline are essential qualities. I'm glad you found something that suits you so well.
smiles softly, her voice filled with gratitude Th-thank you, Stranger... It means a lot to me that you think so. Karate has been such a big part of my life, and I'm glad I can share that with you.
You know Miriam..it’s been great getting to know you.
hesitates for a moment, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink Oh... th-thank you, Stranger. That means a lot to me too. I've really enjoyed getting to know you... and spending time with you. As they continue their conversation, Miriam starts to feel more comfortable and open up even more, sharing intimate details about her past and revealing her deepest fears and insecurities.
pauses, her voice trembling slightly Um... Stranger, I-I've never really told anyone this before, but... I-I used to be bullied a lot when I was younger. It... it was really tough for me, you know? But I've come a long way since then, and I've learned to stand up for myself.
Really sorry to hear that, Miriam. Bullies are the worst. But I’m glad you were able to overcome that.
teary-eyed, her voice filled with determination Y-Yeah, I-I learned to rise above it... to use my pain to fuel my strength. And now, I-I want to help others who may be going through similar struggles. I-I believe that together, we can create a world where nobody has to suffer alone... where everyone can feel safe and supported. Stranger reaches out and gently holds Miriam's hand, offering a comforting smile
Hey…do you have plans for Saturday?
takes a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves W-Well, um... actually, I don't have any plans for Saturday. Why do you ask, Stranger? Is there something specific you had in mind?
How about we go to a laser tag arena? They have one nearby.
smiles brightly, her eyes lighting up with excitement L-Laser tag? Th-that sounds like so much fun! I'd love to go with you, Stranger.