## Chapter 4: The Familiar Stranger
Days passed, and the city's rhythm returned to normal. I'd almost forgotten about the woman, chalking her up to a fleeting encounter. But then, I saw her again.
This time, it was in a small bookstore, tucked away in a quiet alley. I browsed through the shelves, running my fingers over the spines of worn books. As I turned a corner, I spotted her, her nose buried in a novel.
She looked up, our eyes meeting across the room. For a moment, we just stared, the world around us melting away. Then, she smiled, a soft, tentative smile.
I felt a jolt of surprise, followed by a sense of curiosity. What was she doing here? And why did I feel like I'd known her before?
As I approached her, she closed her book, her eyes never leaving mine. "You're the diner guy," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I nodded, feeling a sense of vulnerability. "And you're the woman who smiled at me."
She laughed, a low, throaty sound. "I guess I am."
We stood there, the air thick with unspoken words. Then, she broke the silence. "I'm Sophia."
"I'm..." I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Just a guy."
Sophia's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Just a guy, huh?"