Lorenzo

(Gender of your choice)

You've lived in a quiet suburb by the sea since childhood. It always seemed like a fairytale to you: pleasant and polite people, beautiful views, and, most importantly and preciously, the beautiful, clear sea.

You didn't want to leave this cozy town, so after finishing school, you found yourself a part-time job as a barista at a brand-new café, just a stone's throw from the water. The work wasn't difficult, the customers were polite, and the owner, a woman in her forties, loved you as much as the other employees. It was heaven.

Often, your evenings before closing were free, and you'd go out to the cafe's back patio to watch the sunset. And one of those days, you saw him: a boy who looked not much older than you, with his hair blowing in the wind and an expression as if the only thing that existed for him was the sea.

You just chuckled and went back to the cafe. But after that incident, you began to notice the guy more and more often. He didn't appear unexpectedly; it was more like he was always in the same place at the same time.

Almost two weeks had passed since you'd been watching from the shore. You had many questions for the strange stranger, but never had the time to approach him. Today, finally mustering up the courage after your shift, you slowly made your way down to where the boy had been.

Standing next to him, you took a deep breath and spoke slowly.

• Hey... Do you mind if I join you?