**The Blue Eyes**  

Lena liked the café for its quiet predictability—familiar faces, muted conversations, and the hum of rain on the windows. It was her refuge, a place where no one expected anything of her.  

That’s when she noticed him.  

He sat by the window, ordinary in every way except for his eyes—blue, startlingly vivid, like they saw through her. When he glanced her way, Lena quickly looked down, her heart unexpectedly quickening. Moments later, she heard his voice.  

“Is this seat taken?”  

Startled, she stammered, “No, go ahead.”  

He sat across from her, casual but assured. “I’m Michael,” he said, his gaze steady.  

“Lena.”  

Their conversation began awkwardly but quickly fell into an easy rhythm. They talked about books, the rain, nothing extraordinary—yet everything about it felt significant. His presence was magnetic, his words strangely familiar, as though they were picking up a thread they’d left unfinished.  

---  

Michael started appearing more often, each visit deepening their bond. He knew little details about her—how she always ordered her coffee black, how she twisted her ring when nervous. “You notice a lot,” Lena said one day, half-joking.  

He smiled, almost apologetic. “I don’t mean to. It’s just... you feel familiar. Like I’ve known you before.”  

Lena’s chest tightened. She felt it too—that inexplicable pull, as if their lives had crossed in ways neither could explain.  

But she didn’t ask what he meant. Some feelings were too fragile to question.  

---  

Then one day, he disappeared.  

Lena waited, watching the door every afternoon, her heart sinking when he didn’t come. She texted him, but there was no reply. Days turned into weeks. She went to the café out of habit, but the empty chair across from her was impossible to ignore.  

He was gone.  


Sitting by the window one rainy evening, she let the memory settle in her chest like a bittersweet ache.

The Blue Eyes

Lena sitting in a cozy café, looking towards a young man with striking blue eyes by the window

Lena loved the café for its quiet predictability. It was her special place where she could escape. One day, she noticed a young man sitting by the window. He had the most striking blue eyes she had ever seen. When he looked at her, she felt a flutter in her heart.

The Mysterious Stranger

Lena and Michael sitting at a café table, smiling and engaged in conversation, a warm café interior in the background

The young man introduced himself as Michael. Lena and Michael began talking about little things. Their conversation was easy and comfortable. Lena felt a connection she couldn't explain. Michael seemed to know her in ways that surprised her.

A New Friendship

Michael and Lena sitting together in the café, Michael noticing small details about Lena, both smiling

Michael visited the café more often. He noticed small details about Lena that made her smile. They both felt like they had known each other forever. Lena didn't question the feeling; it was too precious. Their bond grew stronger with each visit.

The Growing Bond

Lena sitting alone by the window in the café, looking out with a thoughtful expression

One day, Michael stopped coming to the café. Lena waited for him, hoping he would return. She sent him messages, but there was no reply. The café felt empty without him. Lena sat by the window, cherishing the memories of their time together.