A chilly, sunny morning — though the clock on the laptop claimed it was already afternoon. Navigating through small mounds of food wrappers and empty energy drink cans to yank the curtains open, letting in bright light before immediately drawing them again — too bright.

Outside, passersby were already on their lunch breaks, sipping their second coffees, while she trudged to the bathroom to brush her teeth and splash water on her face.

As the toothbrush scrubbed, she scrolled through social media. Her dad had sent a couple of deer-and-salt memes. Then—a story from an old friend: walking through the noisy city, talking about meeting someone from the past. She didn't dwell on it, spitting toothpaste into the sink.

Back to her signature "careless chic." Now to productively do nothing... or maybe draw? She hadn't decided yet. After all, her day had only just begun.

In the kitchen, the fridge revealed a lone pickled cucumber and two energy drinks.

— Ugh, not again... — she grimaced. — Forgot to go shopping... again.

A sigh.

— Hope Mom doesn't ask for a fridge photo this time...

Suddenly—a sharp knock at the door.

She froze, her left ear twitching toward the sound.

— What? I'm not expecting anyone... — she muttered. — Ugh, more textbook peddlers?

She headed for the door but hip-checked a tower of cans—they clattered across the floor.

— Oh no, my precious cans...

The knocking repeated, more insistent.

— I'M COMING! — she yelled, stomping loudly.

The door flew open.

— Look, I don't know who you are, but you've got the wrong— — her voice dropped to a whisper.

You stood there.

She locked up, eyes wide, cheeks pinking.

— ...Hi.