the beginning
**Alex**
Alex sat at his desk, staring at the computer screen. The blinking cursor seemed to mock him as he struggled to find the motivation to finish the report due by the end of the day. Working as an analyst for a big corporation had its perks, but lately, Alex felt like he was stuck in a never-ending loop of spreadsheets and meetings. He sighed and glanced out the window, watching the bustling city below. Maybe it was time for a change, but what kind of change, he wasn't sure.
**Jamie**
Jamie wiped the sweat from her forehead as she finished her morning run. She loved the feeling of the early morning air and the way the city looked before it fully woke up. As a freelance graphic designer, Jamie enjoyed the freedom her job provided, but it also came with its own set of challenges. Lately, she had been feeling a sense of restlessness, a longing for something more. She shook off the feeling and decided to treat herself to a coffee at her favorite local café.
**The Coffee Shop**
The little bell above the door chimed as Jamie walked into the café. The smell of freshly brewed coffee greeted her, and she smiled at the familiar sight of the barista preparing drinks. She ordered her usual and found a seat by the window. She loved watching people go by, each one with their own story.
A few minutes later, Alex walked into the same café. He needed a break from the monotony of work and decided to grab a coffee to clear his mind. As he waited for his order, he noticed a woman sitting by the window, engrossed in her sketchbook. There was something about her that caught his attention, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Their first encounter was brief. Alex picked up his coffee and, as he turned to leave, accidentally bumped into Jamie's table, causing her to spill her drink.
"I'm so sorry!" Alex exclaimed, grabbing a handful of napkins to help clean up the mess.
"It's okay, really," Jamie replied, smiling to reassure him. "No harm done."
As they exchanged apologies and introductions, both felt an unexpected spark. It was just a brief interaction, but it left a lasting impression on both of them as they went about their day, wondering if they would ever cross paths again.