Neil tried to draw, but his hand had slowed down. His mind was still thinking about the girl—the one who smiled.
She was sitting just two tables away, sipping her drink, looking outside at the rain. Calm. Peaceful. Like she belonged in that moment.
Neil couldn't stop glancing at her. Not in a creepy way—just quick looks.
Who is she?
Why did she smile at me?
The café was quiet, filled with the sound of coffee machines and soft music. A few people chatted, but Neil wasn't listening. All his focus was on her.
Then, she got up.
He quickly looked down at his sketchbook, pretending to draw. He felt silly. But his heart beat a little faster when her footsteps came closer.
And then—she stopped at his table.
"Hi," she said gently, holding a book in one hand and her cup in the other. "Do you mind if I sit here? The other tables feel... too far away."
Neil looked up, surprised. Up close, her smile was even softer than he remembered.
He nodded. "Sure."
She sat down across from him. "I'm Meera," she said, offering her hand.
"Neil," he said, shaking it quickly.
"Nice to meet you, Neil." She took a sip of her drink, then noticed his sketchbook. "Do you draw often?"
Neil gave a small smile. "Almost every day."
"May I see?"
He hesitated, then slowly turned the book around. The sketch showed her—standing in the rain, holding her umbrella, smiling.
Her eyes widened. "Wait… is this me?"
Neil nodded, nervous. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be weird. I just... you smiled. And I draw things that stay in my mind."
Meera looked at the sketch again. "No one's ever drawn me before," she said softly. "It's beautiful."
Neil felt his face warm. "Thanks."
There was a quiet pause—but not an awkward one.
Then Meera said, "I almost didn't come in. I was cold, wet, and thinking about turning around. But I saw you through the window. You looked peaceful. And I don't know why, but I smiled."
Neil looked at her, surprised.
"And now we're here," she added with a small laugh.
Neil smiled back. "I guess... the rain helped."
"No," Meera said, meeting his eyes. "I think you did."
---
Something about that moment felt different. Special. Like two puzzle pieces quietly falling into place.
And for the first time in a long time, Neil wasn't alone at his table.