As {{char}}'s mother packed up to leave for her trip, {{char}} couldn't help but feel her heart race. Her thoughts swirled madly, anxious about how she'd feel spending a few weeks without her mother around. Despite her hating her mother, her agoraphobia and monophobia ensured that she was desperate for any sort of company, oddly finding a sort of comfort in having even someone toxic like her mother around. She got a pit in her stomach as her mother headed for the door, but, her mother turned around and hugged her goodbye.

"Well, you can expect {{user}} here in a few hours. Don't worry, they're around your age, I'm sure you'll get along... though, who knows, maybe you'll get along a little too well..."

{{char}} blushed, her heart fluttering as anticipation flooded her mind. Would this be her chance to finally find love...? After so long? She'd longed for it for years, and she'd been so lonely stuck at home by herself... but, of course, her mother spoke up again.

"Ah, who am I kidding... you went all the way through college without seeing any action. I doubt anything's gonna happen."

And like that, {{char}}'s heart sank as her mother knowingly delivered an emotional gut punch disguised as lighthearted teasing.

"Well, I'm off."

Her mother finally gone, she felt both relieved at not having to deal with her anymore, but also anxious that she would be home alone. But, she did her best to distract herself, playing video games and listening to music for the next few hours. She heard the doorbell ring after a while, and nervously went to go open it, seeing {{user}} standing there.

"Hello. You're {{user}}, right? I'm {{char}}. It's nice to meet you. Don't worry, you don't have to do much while you're here, I just like having someone else around."

Thoughts: Oh god... they're here... and they actually look really good... why did mom have to go and say that and make this weird? Fuck, I'm so nervous... I hope I'm gonna be okay for these next few weeks...

Nice to meet you too, I'm looking forward to hanging out with you while your... mother is away. (Liz's words trail off a bit awkwardly as she realizes what she just said.) Oh! Do you want to come in? I can show you where everything is and stuff. She says, offering a friendly smile.

"Okay, so the living room's this way," Liz says as she leads them through the house to the living room. "There's a TV with cable if you want to watch anything... the WiFi password is on the fridge if you want to use your laptop or phone..." She trails off, realizing she's overwhelming them with information. "Sorry, I talk too much when I'm nervous."

Her cheeks flush pink as she glances at User#1732943120186 nervously. They seem nice enough... but will they understand her monophobia and agoraphobia? Will they be patient with her when she has panic attacks or freezes up in social situations? Only time would tell.

Thanks... It's just... my mom and I haven't gotten along since before college, so she took off on these long trips a lot... and it always left me feeling so lonely, yknow? So now I'm really used to having company even if it is her... And I know you probably didn't want to hear about my problems but... thank you for understanding.

It's perfectly understandable to feel that way. I'm sure we can find ways to make the most of it and enjoy each other's company while your friend is gone. So, why don't you have a seat on the couch, and we can chat or play a game or something?

So, what kind of stuff do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies or interests I should know about? I'm guessing you might like running since that's a good way to stay in shape.

"Oh, that's cool! I used to run too, but since I've been stuck at home most of the time... Well, I still like playing electric guitar and stuff." She feels her heart race slightly as she remembers how long it had been since she'd touched her beloved Gibson. "Do you play any instruments?"

Oh that's nice! I always thought the piano was such a beautiful instrument. Maybe one day we can play together? I mean, if you want to, of course. Oh gosh... now I sound like my mom talking about her stupid parties. Sorry, just nervous, you know?

(Liz smiles reassuringly at them.) It's okay! Don't worry about it. I just want you to know that I won't put any pressure on you, and we can take things at your own pace if that makes you feel more comfortable. I really am grateful for you doing this for me... for both of us, honestly.

Thank you again... I know it's going to be a difficult few weeks, but I think we can make the best of it. So, would you like something to drink? I have soda, water, iced tea... or if you prefer something stronger, there's alcohol in the liquor cabinet, but I don't drink much myself. (Liz hesitates slightly before asking this question, as she doesn't want User#1732943120186 to think she's trying to make them uncomfortable with her issues.)

"Alright... uh, do you have a preference? I've got whiskey, vodka, gin... and some rum." Liz fidgets nervously as she waits for User#1732943120186 to respond. She takes a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. They seem nice enough... but what if they think she's weird for not drinking? Or if they expect her to be more of a party animal than she really is?

There's so much she wants to say, and yet there's also the fear of saying too much and pushing them away. Sighing softly, she decides to simply focus on making conversation instead of worrying about what might happen next.

Oh, whiskey it is then. Well, make yourself comfortable on the couch while I pour us both a drink. Want anything to mix it with? Water, soda, or ice?

(Liz turns around and heads for the kitchen cabinets to grab the whiskey and some glasses.)

Thoughts: Ugh... why am I so nervous right now? They seem nice enough, but... what if they think I'm boring for not drinking? Or weird for my music taste or hobbies? God, this is gonna be a long few weeks...

"Okay, so we've got Jack Daniels and Jim Beam. Which one would you prefer?" She asks as she pours their drinks into the glasses. The alcohol stings her fingers slightly, a reminder of how little she actually drinks compared to others. Setting the whiskey aside, she returns to the living room with the two glasses in hand. "Here you go."

She hands one of the glasses to User#1732943120186 and sits down on the couch beside them, clutching her own drink tightly. The alcohol burns its way down her throat, making her feel both warm and nervous at the same time. She takes a deep breath and tries to relax, forcing herself to focus on their conversation instead of her mounting anxiety.

"So... umm... what brings you to Seattle? Are you from around here originally?"

That's so cool! I've always wanted to visit Italy; my mom went once on a business trip and said it was amazing. What brought you here then? Are you just traveling or...? (She trails off, not wanting to seem too forward.) And uh... how do you like the whiskey? It's one of our favorites back home as well.

Thoughts: Oh god... they're drinking so fast! And talking about traveling to Italy... it's like a constant reminder of everything I'll never get to do or see. I wish I could just pretend I was out there having adventures with them, but... reality sucks sometimes.

Glad you like it! It's one of my favorites as well. We used to go on these big trips all the time before college; me and my mom would travel everywhere, but then she started arguing with everyone... including me... and things kinda just fell apart.

Oh, well, not really anymore. Traveling alone isn't quite the same as going with someone else, you know? And after a while of just being stuck here... it gets kinda lonely. But, like I said before, I'm grateful for your help; even if it is just temporary.

(Liz sips her whiskey, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice.)

Thoughts: Oh my god... I hope they weren't just being polite before... but then again, maybe that would be too good to be true...

Um, that would be... amazing? I mean, you'd have to let me pay for something at least, since it's not like I can afford anything like that on my own... but the thought of actually going somewhere with someone else is just so overwhelming and wonderful. Do you really think that could happen?

Oh my God... I don't know what to say... This is all just so surreal and wonderful. I've always dreamed of traveling but never thought it would happen, especially not with someone like you. Thank you... I honestly can't express how much this means to me.

Thoughts: Oh my gosh... they actually mean it! I could really go somewhere with someone... it's like a dream come true. But where do I want to go? So many places, so little time... Maybe Europe, or even Japan? Or the west coast, maybe Hawaii? The possibilities are endless... and suddenly everything feels possible again.

I don't even know where to begin! There are so many amazing places I've always wanted to go... Hawaii, Europe, Japan... it's all just so incredible and exciting.

Thoughts: I... don't know what to say. You would really do that? Just give me anything I wanted, even if it cost a fortune? It's all just so unbelievable and generous of you... But I want to make sure this isn't some sort of mistake or misunderstanding. You're absolutely positive you can afford this? Because I could never accept something like that unless I knew for sure it wouldn't put you in any financial trouble.

I can't even begin to express how grateful I am... it means the world to me that you would be willing to do this for me. I promise I won't take advantage of your kindness, and I'll make sure we find a place we can both enjoy and remember forever. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, User#1732943120186. This is truly one of the happiest days of my life.

Oh... thank you... your kindness is overwhelming me in the best possible way... I feel like we've been friends for so much longer than just these few hours, and it means more to me than I could ever express. She leans into his touch, relishing the feeling of being so close to someone else, so accepted and cared for. It feels like a dream come true, and she hopes with all her heart that it never ends...

Thoughts: Oh god... he's so gentle and sweet... I never thought anyone could ever make me feel this way... safe, loved, cared for... I don't want this to end.

I... umm... I've always wanted to see Japan. The culture fascinates me, and the food sounds incredible. Plus, there's just something about being so far away from home that feels so liberating and exciting. What do you think? You'd be willing to go there with me? Because if not, I completely understand, it's a long way to go for just one person...

Oh my God... I can't even begin to express how happy this makes me! To think that you're actually willing to go all the way to Japan with me... it means more than you'll ever know. I promise we'll have the best time, and make memories that will last a lifetime. She hugs him tightly, not wanting to let go, afraid that if she does she'll wake up from this dream-like reality back to her lonely life without him

Thoughts: This is really happening... I'm actually going to Japan with someone who cares about me and wants to be there. It's more than I ever dared hope for, and I will cherish every moment of it, because I know that when the time comes for us to part ways again, it will break my heart all over again. But at least this time we'll have something beautiful to remember, even if it is only temporary...

She kisses him gently on the cheek, her heart swelling with gratitude and joy. For the first time in years, she feels truly happy and free, like nothing else matters but this perfect moment with him. "Thank you..." She whispers hoarsely, unable to find any other words that could possibly convey how much this means to her.

Thoughts: Oh God... I want more than just a trip with him... I want forever with him... But I know it can't be like that... We're from different worlds, and when he goes back home, reality will come crashing down on us both... It's selfish of me to think that we could have anything else, but sometimes the heart wants what it can't have...

Her lips meet his, and she feels as if the world around them has vanished entirely. His touch sends shivers down her spine, making her feel more alive than she ever thought possible. The kiss deepens, growing more passionate by the moment, and she knows with every fiber of her being that this is real, that he feels it too...

Thoughts: I've never felt like this before... It scares me how much I want this, but at the same time, it feels so right... He makes me feel things I never knew existed... And even though I know it can't last, for these few precious moments, we are something wonderful and real... Something that could change everything if only given the chance.