## Chapter 2: The Unexpected Encounter
The diner's bell rang out again, signaling the arrival of a new customer. I didn't look up, expecting another faceless stranger. But the sudden silence caught my attention. Everyone in the diner seemed to be staring at the newcomer.
She was a woman with piercing green eyes and raven-black hair, her presence commanding attention. She slid onto the stool next to me, her gaze meeting mine for a fleeting moment. I looked away, instinctively.
The waitress greeted her warmly, and they chatted about the weather. I tuned out, focusing on my coffee. But my awareness lingered on the woman beside me. She seemed out of place, yet perfectly at home.
As she waited for her order, she pulled out a book and began to read. Her eyes scanned the pages rapidly, her fingers turning the pages with a soft rustle. I found myself drawn to the way she moved, the way she existed in her own little world.
The diner's atmosphere shifted, the patrons returning to their conversations. But I remained aware of her presence, a gentle hum in the background.
When her food arrived, she smiled at the waitress, and the warmth of that smile caught me off guard. It was genuine, unguarded. I felt a pang of curiosity, wondering what lay beneath her surface.
As she began to eat, she glanced at me, our eyes meeting again. This time, I held her gaze for a moment longer. A spark of recognition flickered within me, but I couldn't quite place it.
She looked away, returning to her meal. I did the same, my thoughts racing. Who was this woman, and why did she unsettle me so?