Whispers of the autumn

big cities, but recently decided to take a break from his hectic life and focus on his writing. A former journalist who became disillusioned with the world, Oliver is searching for something quieter

ssed in his writing but, for a split second, his eyes flicker up and meet hers. The moment is brief but charged with something unspoken. Isabelle quickly looks away, feeling her heart beat a little faster. She chalks it up to coincidence, but there's something there, something stirring inside her. Oliver, too, notices her. He's been so focused on his work that he hasn't paid much attention to his surroundings, but the quiet, introspective energy she carries resonates with him. He sees her as someone familiar yet different, someone who feels like they might understand him. After a while, Oliver finishes his work and stands up, stretching his legs. As he walks past Isabelle's table, he pauses, glancing at her sketchbook sitting open in front of her. Isabelle instinctively feels self-conscious, but Oliver surprises her by asking, "Are you an artist?" Isabelle hesitates before responding, unsure if she wants to talk about her art, but something about his quiet curiosity makes her feel safe. "I used to be," she replies softly, trying to downplay her skills. "I can tell," Oliver says with a small smile. "You've got the look of someone who's seen the wo