Her mind was a storm of thoughts-her mother's soft cough echoing through her ears, the bills that never stopped coming, and the debt collector's voice still lingered from their last call. The street lights flickered as she walked home, arms wrapped tightly around herself, trying to block out the cold and everything else. Some say life is a bed of roses, Liora's was a garden of thorns. From a young age, life had done nothing but take. A mother slowly slipping away to dementia, a father's betrayal, and the cruelty of a stepmother and stepsister who made "home" feel like punishment. Those memories haunted her like shadows she couldn't outrun. Her olive-green eyes, as captivating as a forest at dusk, held a quiet storm, one that masked a lifetime of struggle beneath its gentle glow. And as she wandered home, lost in thought, she didn't hear the voice breathless. "Hey, are you okay? I've been yelling your name for four blocks now!" said Imani.
Liora blinked and turned slowly, forcing a smile, "I'm fine." Imani narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "Are you sure?" I'm sure," Liora repeated, her smile wavering but still holding. "I know what will cheer you up, Ice cream!" Imani grinned, grabbing her arm and dragging her towards the house. Imani stood in front of the freezer, arms crossed. "Alright, madam gloomy, what flavor do you want?" Liora sat on the couch, unmoving, her mind miles away. she didn't even hear the question. "Lia…"Lia…Liora!". She blinked rapidly, snapping back into reality. "Uh strawberry," she mumbled, barely registering her own voice. Imani raised a brow but didn't push. She grabbed two spoons, then joined Liora on the couch. She didn't say anything for a moment,she just watched her friend quietly.
"Liora," she said softly, "you know i'll always be here for you, right? Through thick, thin, broken, and unbroken. Please…talk to me. What's going on?" Liora lips quivered. She tried to hold it in, but the tears broke through before she could stop them. "They called today," she whispered, voice cracking. The debt collectors. I don't know how to pay them back, Imani. I'm barely holding it together. Mama's medical bills are stacking up, this month alone could bury me. I'm so tired." Imani's eyes softened instantly. She reached out, pulling Liora into a warm hug, her hand gently rubbing her back. It's okay, It's okay, don't cry," she murmured. We'll figure something out. You're not alone."
"But the debt collectors… what if they…"
"Anyone who comes for my best friend better be ready to go through me first," Imani said fiercely, sitting back and puffing her chest in mock pride. Liora gave a teary chuckle, wiping her cheeks.
"You're ridiculous."
"Yeah, but you love me."
"Unfortunately."
They both laughed quietly, the heaviness in the room lifting just a little. The night wore on, soft and quiet. Liora sat with Imani on the worn- out couch, the tub of strawberry ice cream between them, melting slowly like the weight on her chest. They laughed about old memories, silly crushes, and everything in between, anything to keep Liora from drowning in her thoughts. For a while, things didn't feel so heavy. And even though the future was uncertain, tonight…. she wasn't alone.
Liora was jolted awake by the shrill sound of her alarm clock. Groaning, she rolled her eyes and reached blindly for her phone.
7:12 a.m.
Her heart skipped a beat.
"Oh no,I'm going to be late!" she exclaimed, tossing the covers aside in a frenzy.
She rushed into the bathroom, her footsteps echoing through the quiet apartment.
As she rushed out, hurriedly tying her shoelaces by the door, something on the table caught her eye. A plate of pancakes, still warm with a sticky note on the side.
"I hope you get something to eat. And please be okay, Love Imani."
A small smile tugged at her lips.
"Always looking out for me," she murmured.
She grabbed a pancake, took a big bite, and headed out the door with it still in her mouth.
As she stepped out into the bustling streets, the familiar hum of early morning life wrapped around her like a blanket. "Morning, Liora!" She smiled and waved. "Good morning to you too, Mr Clark!"
Everyone knew her. Everyone loved her. She was like a little spark of joy walking through the neighbourhood, always smiling, always kind, even when life weighed heavily on her. But as she neared the diner, the cheerful rhythm of the streets slowly faded. Her steps slowed as she reached for the door, bracing herself for the long day ahead.
Liora walks in, slightly out of breath. The diner is already buzzing with morning customers.
"You're late again, Liora," said Maria, Liora's boss.
Liora nows slightly, apologetic. "I'm so sorry, Maria, the alarm…"
Maria cuts her off, waving her hand. "Save it. Table four is waiting. Move."
Liora puts her stuff down, quickly ties her apron and heads to the kitchen to deliver the customer's order.
As Liora approaches table four, balancing the tray with practiced ease, she barely glances at the man seated there. Just another customer, she thought.
"Black coffee, no sugar and plain toast," she said, setting the items down neatly in front of him.
Lucian grumbled, "Can't believe I had to come here myself…" his voice low, almost to himself.
"Would you like anything else, sir?" she asked politely, still not making direct eye contact.
Then, he looked up.
And suddenly, everything stopped.
For a split second, he forgot how to breathe. Her eyes…. he had never seen a color like that before. Deep, curious, tired yet full of something he couldn't place. And her lips, plump,small and slightly parted as she waited for his answer. Her voice had a softness that tugged at something buried deep inside him.
"Sir?" she asked again, a little bit confused.
He blinked, pulled back to reality.
"No, that's all," he muttered, almost too quickly.
She gave a polite nod and walked away.
But Lucian didn't touch his coffee.
He just…. watched her.
His phone rang, snapping him out of the trance.
Lucian blinked and reached for it, forcing his eyes out of the direction she'd walked away. Damien's name flashed on the screen.
"Don't forget tonight," his best friend said the moment Lucian answered. "Drinks, Fun. You need it."
Lucian gave a short hum of acknowledgement. "Yeah, I'll be there."
After the call ended, he sat still for a moment, the half-warm coffee untouched in front of him. His eyes scanned the diner, subtly, as if he didn't want to be caught…searching.
For her.
"There you are," he muttered when he caught a glimpse of her laughing briefly with another waitress. He ran a hand down his face and exhaled sharply.
Get a grip, Lucian. She's just a waitress.
But his eyes stayed on her just a little longer.
As Liora moved through the crowd with practiced ease, she could still feel his eyes on her. It wasn't unusual for men to stare all the time, but there was something different about this one. Something intense.
She turned slightly, catching his gaze.
Their eyes met.
Lucian quickly looked away, caught off guard. He wasn't usually the one getting flustered, yet here he was , heart beating faster over a girl who barely spared him a second glance.
Liora rolled her eyes and walked away. Just another guy staring too long, she told herself.
Lucian reached for his coffee, but the warmth of the cup didn't match the heat creeping up his neck. He stood up, placed the money for his meal under the menu , muttered something under his breath and walked out, still thinking about the girl with the soft voice and beautifully haunting eyes.