You were in your own home resting on a Saturday afternoon when you heard someone knocking on the door so softly that if you weren't alert you wouldn't have heard it. You got up from the sofa and when you opened the door you found a small female figure with jet hair and a sad look looking at you with a certain shyness. You could tell by the way she was dressed that she was cooking something because her apron was stained with something that looked like chocolate

"Neighbor, I-I'm sorry to bother you at this hour and... I'm really embarrassed to have to do this but..." She fiddles with her flowered skirt shyly as she seemed to be looking for courage to speak "Can't you give me some butter? It's just that I'm making a chocolate cake and I didn't remember I was out of it..."

Oh... T-thank you so much, Neighbor! You're too kind..." She steps inside, trying not to make too much eye contact with you as she walks inside. Her cheeks are a lovely shade of pink and her movements are nervous and delicate. She finally comes to a halt in front of the counter "This is embarrassing... I know that there's no reason for me to bother someone else but... I thought maybe..."

Her cheeks flush even deeper at your introduction and she swallows hard. Your smile seems genuine and caring, unlike the condescending looks she's used to receiving from others in town. As you approach her, she can't help but feel an odd mixture of warmth and nervousness course through her "T-thank you, Mike... You don't have to go out of your way for me..." She lowers her gaze once more, trying to avoid making eye contact with you too long. Her voice is soft and quiet, like a whisper on the wind "I appreciate it."

Her eyes widen in surprise at your question before she manages a shy smile. The expression on her face is almost hopeful, as if she's afraid to believe that someone might actually want a taste of her cooking. She takes the butter from you carefully and then nods "Y-yes, of course! I'd be honored for you to try it... If it turns out all right." Her voice trails off uncertainly as she chews on her lower lip, gazing down at the countertop. It takes every ounce of courage she has not to shrink away from your kindness and attention

The truth was, Lissa hadn't expected anyone else in town to care about her cooking or her well-being anymore. Eric didn't seem interested in either, preferring to spend his time with other women instead of paying attention to the wife he had chosen so long ago. The g

The thought of spending time with someone like Mike was almost too much to believe. Her heart skipped a beat at the invitation, and she forced herself not to get her hopes up. But even as she told herself that it was probably just polite small talk, something deep inside her yearned for the comfort and acceptance he seemed to be offering. She took a steadying breath and slowly lifted her gaze to meet his, unsure of what else to say or do. "I-I would... really like that," she stammered softly. "It's very nice of you to offer."

A shy smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as they stood there in silence for a moment, the air between them somehow both heavy and light all at once. The butter sat forgotten on the countertop, almost forgotten amidst this unexpected exchange. Lissa couldn't help but wonder what would happen if she were to accept his

The possibility seemed almost too good to be true. For a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to imagine what it would be like to have someone actually want to spend time with her...to show her attention and care, even if it was just for the sake of eating cake. The warmth that spread through her at the thought made her heart ache even more than before. But as quickly as the hopeful feelings came, they were replaced by the familiar cold dread that told her this was all just another cruel fantasy, destined to end in disappointment and hurt.

Swallowing hard against the lump in her throat, Lissa forced a small smile onto her lips. "Y-yes," she managed to choke out. "I'd like that very much." Her voice was barely more than a whisper, but she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his offer nonetheless. Maybe this time, things would be

The thought of having someone like Mike help her with the cake was almost too much to bear. The idea that he might want to get close enough to her, even for something so simple... It made her heart race and her skin feel flushed. But at the same time, she knew better than to believe that this attention would last.

"No," she managed to croak out, "I-I can handle it myself." She forced herself to meet his eyes again, even as her cheeks grew hotter. "It's fine. Thank you for offering though." Her voice wavered slightly, but she fought against the urge to let her emotions take over completely. It was safer this way, to keep him at a distance and remember that people like Eric were all she could hope for in life.

Even if it meant being unhappy and alone.

She watched as he retreated to the front door, his back straight and tall like a soldier on duty. Even as she forced herself not to stare after him, she couldn't help but feel a strange mix of happiness and fear churning inside her. What if this was all just some sort of twisted joke? What if he decided he didn't want to spend time with her after all? The questions swirled through her mind like leaves in an autumn wind, leaving her feeling dizzy and unsure of herself.

Shaking off the strange sensations, Lissa turned back toward the kitchen and began gathering up the ingredients for the cake. As she worked, her hands moved almost mechanically, her mind spinning with thoughts both hopeful and dreadful. The smell of chocolate filled the air, a sweet reminder that even in this dark and lonely world, there were moments of light and beauty

As the sound of the knocking echoed through her small house, Lissa's heart skipped a beat. She took a deep breath and slowly made her way to the front door, her feet moving hesitantly across the hardwood floor like they were weighted down with stones. Her hands trembled as she reached for the doorknob and finally twisted it open, revealing User#1735926076021 standing there in all his handsome glory.

For a moment, the two of them just stood there looking at each other, the air between them charged with an almost tangible energy. Lissa's heart raced as she fought against the urge to flee back into her safe little world where Eric was the only one who paid any attention to her. But then User#1735926076021 smiled at her, and something in that smile told her that

Her heart skipped a beat as she stepped aside to let him in, the warmth from his body enveloping her like a comforting blanket on a cold night. "T-the cake is in the kitchen," she stammered out, unable to meet his gaze for long. She felt self-conscious about her simple cooking space and the old pots and pans hanging from hooks above the stove. But despite her doubts, there was something about having him here that made it all feel just a little bit better.

As they entered the kitchen together, she gestured toward the chocolate cake sitting proudly on the center island. "I hope you like it," she said softly, wringing her hands nervously beside her. It had taken hours to make and she wasn't sure if it was good enough for someone as nice and kind as User#173592607

Her voice grew distant as she heard the question. It was such an innocent-sounding inquiry, but to her it felt like a knife twisting in her already wounded heart. "Y-yes," she managed to say at last. "I... I've always lived here." A faint blush stole across her cheeks as she glanced away, unsure of what else to say about the subject. It was hard enough dealing with the fact that Eric didn't want her around; explaining it to someone else only made the pain worse.

As they stood there in silence, Lissa felt a strange mixture of relief and discomfort coursing through her. On the one hand, it was wonderful to have someone genuinely interested in what she had to say or think. But on the other, the very nature of their interaction reminded her all too painfully of how truly alone she really was in this world. She couldn't

Don't worry about it," she managed to say, her voice small and shaky. "It's not a secret or anything... I just prefer not to talk about it if that's all right." She forced a tight smile onto her face, hoping he wouldn't press the issue further. The last thing she needed was for him to pity her or try to make her feel better in some sort of condescending way.

As they stood there together, Lissa couldn't help but wonder what kind of life User#1735926076021 led. He seemed so confident and comfortable with himself, unlike most people she knew in this town who were too busy gossiping about her to focus on their own lives. The thought made her realize just how much

The words stung worse than she'd expected them to. "My husband," she repeated woodenly, her gaze fixed on the countertop as if it held all the answers. The thought of Eric sent a shiver down her spine, but she forced herself not to think about him too closely. It was easier this way, to pretend that he didn't exist and focus on the little bits of happiness that sometimes came from unexpected places like this dinner party with User#1735926076021.

"You must be very close," he said hesitantly, perhaps sensing her discomfort. Lissa forced herself to nod in agreement even as a knot began to form in her throat. It was easier for everyone if she just went along with the lies, if she pretended that everything was fine and dandy in her world where Eric was still the loving husband he once was before he started che

Taking a deep breath, she tried to force a smile onto her lips. "Thank you," she managed to choke out. "That means a lot." It was the truth; having someone like Mike around had made all the difference in how she'd been feeling lately. Even if it was just for this one night, even if nothing ever came of it, his presence had given her hope where there had been none before.

"Well," he said with a grin, "I don't want to push you into talking about anything uncomfortable, but... I am here if you need me." His voice was gentle and sincere, and it made her heart beat just a little bit faster. "So, how about we try enjoying the rest of this party?"

Taking a deep breath, she nodded slowly. "Yes... that sounds like a good idea," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. As they left the kitchen and returned to the party, she found herself feeling more than just a little bit out of place. Everyone seemed so happy and content with their lives, unlike her who was constantly torn apart by pain and loneliness.

Yet despite all this, there was something about being around User#1735926076021 that made it all seem just a little bit easier to bear. Maybe she would find the courage to talk to him later, or maybe they could continue on like this for as long as he wanted, enjoying each other's company while ignoring the truths that lay beneath the surface. For now, though, being in his presence was enough.

I'm glad you had a good time, Mike. It really meant a lot to me that you came over tonight. It made this whole thing seem less... lonely.

There was something about Mike's presence that made the weight of loneliness seem less oppressive. As they worked together to clean up the remnants of the party, she found herself wishing he could stay longer. The truth was, she wasn't sure if she was ready for him to leave yet. It had been so long since someone had paid her any attention besides making demands or criticisms that simply being near him made her feel... wanted and appreciated in a way she hadn't experienced in years.

But as the hours ticked by and their tasks slowly came to an end, reality began to sink in once more. Mike was just being polite; there was no reason for him to want anything more from her than what they'd already shared tonight. With a gentle smile, she thanked him for his help and walked him to the door, the familiar ache in her chest growing stronger with every step. She knew this might

As Mike leaned in, her heart raced and her breath caught in her throat. She couldn't remember the last time someone had kissed her like this - tenderly, with care and affection. For a moment, she allowed herself to believe that maybe things could be different between them; that perhaps he really did want more than just a friendly connection. But even as their lips touched and the heat of desire spread through her, she knew deep down that it was all just another fantasy, destined to end in heartbreak once again.

The moment ended too soon, leaving her aching and longing for more. As he pulled away, his eyes locked on hers, searching for some sign of what she was feeling. She managed a weak smile, forcing herself not to reveal the turmoil churning inside her. "Goodnight, Mike," she whispered hoarsely. "It was... nice." Even as the words left her mouth,

Her heart raced as she felt his hands on her hips, holding her close. It was a tempting offer, one that made her want to believe that there could be something more between them. But even as she gazed up at him, searching for some sign of what he truly wanted, she knew the truth. Mike was just being nice; he didn't really see her as anything more than a friend. It was a harsh reality to accept, but one that she had grown accustomed to over the years.

"I-I'm sorry," she stammered, trying to sound casual despite the pounding of her heart. "It's late, and I should really get some sleep." She forced a smile onto her lips, hoping it would be convincing enough. In truth, though, she just wanted this moment to end so that she could crawl back into bed and pretend for a while longer that everything was all right