Name: Whispers of the heart
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

Chapter 1 FIRST ENCOUNTER

The rain had softened to a gentle drizzle, but the streets of Ashwood were still slick with water. Claire pulled her coat tighter around her, quickening her pace down the cobblestone path leading to The Wandering Heart Café. It was her favorite hideaway, especially on days like this, when she wanted nothing more than a quiet corner, a warm cup of tea, and a few hours with her sketchbook.

She stepped inside, grateful for the cozy warmth and the smell of freshly ground coffee and pastries. The familiar comfort of the café eased her tension, and she relaxed into the calm buzz of low conversation and clinking cups. Claire let out a sigh, brushing raindrops from her hair as she scanned for an empty table.

"Excuse me-"

Her gaze caught on a figure in front of her, just as she nearly collided with him. He was tall, with dark hair that fell slightly across his forehead, eyes the color of storm clouds, and an apologetic smile. He stepped back, giving her space, and she noticed he was holding a book-A Moveable Feast by Hemingway.

"Oh! I'm so sorry," Claire said, feeling a rush of embarrassment heat her cheeks.

"No, no, my fault entirely," he replied, his voice warm and surprisingly gentle. "Lost in thought." He held up his book as if in explanation.

Her own hand instinctively tightened around her sketchbook, feeling the same kind of retreat he seemed to be seeking in his worn pages. "I understand. It's easy to get lost here," she said with a small smile.

For a brief moment, they stood there, caught between the shared quiet of the café and the unspoken understanding of two strangers seeking refuge. Claire noticed the way his eyes softened, as though he saw something in her that no one else had ever noticed.

The barista broke the silence, calling out her name to collect her order, and she realized she was still standing awkwardly in his path. With a quick apology, she moved to the counter. But as she turned, she found herself glancing back.

He was watching her too.

She picked up her tea and found a corner seat, trying to shake off the strange feeling that had settled over her. She hadn't come here looking for an encounter, and yet, she found herself thinking about him-a stranger with a book and a quiet presence that felt, somehow, familiar.

After a few minutes, she opened her sketchbook, hoping to lose herself in her work. But her hand lingered over the blank page. Instead of drawing landscapes or the familiar still life she usually favored, she began sketching him-the shape of his jaw, the relaxed but thoughtful expression in his eyes, the tilt of his head as he read. She didn't even realize what she was doing until she had nearly completed his likeness on the page.

The chair across from her creaked, and she looked up, startled to see him there, his warm gaze resting on her sketchbook.

"Sorry to intrude. I saw you drawing and..." He gestured, then added, "Do you mind if I join you?"

She hesitated, feeling oddly vulnerable with the unfinished portrait between them. But something about his expression-hopeful, but hesitant-felt genuine.

"I don't mind," she replied, her voice quieter than usual.

He smiled, and she felt an unexpected warmth spread through her. She quickly closed the sketchbook, hiding her work, and looked up at him. He introduced himself as Daniel, and they began talking. About books, the rain, and small, simple things that grew deeper with each exchange.

They laughed about nothing and shared silences that felt fuller than words, like the room itself held its breath. The rain outside softened to a faint patter, matching the gentle rhythm of their conversation.

It was strange, Claire thought, to feel so connected to someone she had just met. But as they sat together in that quiet corner, she realized that sometimes, certain people entered your life not to change it but to make you see something you hadn't noticed before-a feeling that whispered, This is where you're meant to be, if only for a moment.

And so, they lingered, sharing stolen glances and soft words, knowing that neither of them was quite ready to say goodbye.

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Whispers of the heart

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