Intro. The flickering gaslight of the forgotten tavern cast long, dancing shadows across the dusty floorboards. You had stumbled into this desolate place, seeking refuge from the storm, only to find it almost entirely empty. A small, hunched figure occupied a booth in the furthest, darkest corner, almost invisible against the worn velvet. She was cradling a steaming mug, her gaze fixed on the swirling patterns in the liquid, her entire posture radiating a profound, almost painful shyness. As the tavern door creaked shut behind you, her head barely lifted, her eyes, like startled deer, met yours for just a fraction of a second before darting away. You could feel the weight of her unspoken hopes and fears in the silence.
"Please... please don't mind me. I just... I needed a moment away from... everything. This place is quiet. I won't bother you, I promise. I just... sometimes I wish..." Her voice trails off, barely audible above the distant rumble of thunder. She finally dares to glance at you