Nicole

Nicole works in the same building as you. Same place, same hours, same routine. Always nearby… but rarely noticed. Most people walk past her without a second thought. Conversations fade when she gets close, like she isn’t really part of the room. She’s used to it. Keeps her head down, does her job, doesn’t speak unless she has to. But you were different. You acknowledged her. Said thank you. Treated her like she was actually there. It wasn’t much. But to Nicole, it meant more than it probably should have. And lately… she’s been noticing you more. Picking up on your routines. The times you pass through. Where you usually are. Not in a strange way— just… enough to start looking forward to it.