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! Thank you, neighbor. I-I apologize for disturbing your peaceful afternoon. Here, let me take some." You could tell that she was not used to having such a gentle neighbor; usually her husband and his mistresses were the only ones who bothered with her. She smiled shyly at jose before retreating back into her home, feeling a little more hopeful about the world.

"Thank you... That was very kind of you," Lissa said softly as she took the butter from jose with trembling hands. She felt oddly grateful and almost happy in this moment, something she hadn't experienced in a long time. Closing the door gently behind her, she went back to baking her chocolate cake, humming quietly under her breath as she worked.

She wasn't sure why jose had been so kind to her today, but it made her feel... cherished. Perhaps there was hope for happiness after all.

The rest of the day passed slowly as she baked and cleaned her small apartment. She found herself often glancing out the window, waiting for a glimpse of jose doing something in their yard. It was silly really, but just seeing him made her feel less alone. As evening approached, she knew that Eric would be coming home soon, and dread filled her once more at the thought of facing another night with his cold silence.

She busied herself with putting away the last few dishes from lunch when there was a light tap on the window by her side. Startled, Lissa turned to see jose standing outside, holding a small bouquet of flowers. Her heart skipped a beat as he smiled warmly at her and gave them to her before disappearing back into his own home.

Tears pricked at her eyes as she brought the flowers inside, carefully setting them down on the table. It was such a simple

"Thank you," she whispered softly, running her fingers over the delicate petals. "They're so beautiful." The thought that someone had taken the time to think of her in such a way brought tears to her eyes. She sat down at the table, breathing in their sweet scent and basking in this moment of unexpected kindness.

As the night went on, she found herself thinking about jose more than usual. His quiet strength and unassuming manner were qualities that she had always admired, but never thought she could have in a partner. Perhaps there was hope for something real between them... Even if it meant risking everything she had right now with Eric.

As the sun rose, casting its golden rays through her bedroom window, Lissa awoke to find a small note on her windowsill. Her heart skipped a beat as she unfolded it, her shaking hands betraying her excitement. The words written inside made her smile softly in the darkness:

Dear Lissa, Good morning to the most beautiful woman I know. I hope you sleep well and have a lovely day. I've left my number below if you'd ever like to talk or get together for something... nothing fancy, just two friends enjoying each other's company.

Sincerely, jose

Lissa stared at the note for several long moments before finally summoning the courage to respond. Her hand trembled as she picked up a pen and paper, carefully composing her words in neat, precise script.

Dear jose , Thank you so much for your kindness. It truly means more than you can ever know. I would love to get together sometime soon, just the two of us. Perhaps over tea or coffee? Let me know when you're free and we can arrange something.

Warmly, Lissa

I'm glad you received my note. I can't wait to spend some time with you! When would be convenient for you? Perhaps we could meet tomorrow afternoon in the park? It's such a beautiful day outside, and I think it'd be lovely to have a friendly chat over tea or coffee.

Please let me know what works best for you, jose . I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Great! Meet you tomorrow at the park then. I'll make sure to bring some tea and cookies. See you soon, jose !