After my interview, I aimlessly wandered around, unsure of where to go next. Would it be best to head back to the cozy coffeehouse or should I take advantage of my time here and do some sightseeing? 

I reached into my shoulder bag and pulled out the map of Bridgeport I had purchased earlier. It hit me that this might be my last chance to explore this town for a while. I scanned the map. My tired eyes tracked across the streets and landmarks, trying to decide which area would be the most interesting to visit.

"Hey! Can you wait a second?" I suddenly heard someone calling out.

I tore my gaze away from the map and turned towards the voice, my eyebrows furrowed in suspicion as a young lady made her way towards me. 

"Did you recently have an interview at Liberty for a job?" She inquired, causing me to regard her with skepticism.  

“I...I did," I responded with hesitation. "How did you...?"

"I believe I also applied for the same position prior to you. Did you happen to have a meeting with Rias?"

“Yes.” 

"I am not sure it went very smoothly for me. I was incredibly anxious,” the stranger confessed. “And how did it turn out for you?"

"I made it through," I informed her, my mind elsewhere. My hand instinctively went to my mouth, a memory triggered. My heart started racing within my ribcage. Ray. Images of her flooded my mind, sending shivers down my spine. 

"I must say, she is quite stern. I suppose the most suitable candidate will emerge victorious, right?" She extended her hand with a firm grip. "I am Patrice."

“Nice to meet you.” I shook her hand. “I am Kichi and I arrived from Chester earlier this morning. 

"You actually journeyed all this distance?" Her eyebrows rose in amazement. "I must say, I am quite impressed." She then added, "I, on the other hand, am a local.” 

"I find it rather pleasant here.”

Patrice grinned, acknowledging the compliment. "You come across as such a lovely person. It's unfortunate that only one of us will be chosen for the job. However, regardless of the outcome, I do hope we can develop a friendship, don't you think?”

Friends? So suddenly… 

"Shall we swap numbers?" she proposed with an outstretched hand.  

Growing up, I did not have a single friend. It was a lonely experience, especially when I realised that I was different from my peers. Once my classmates discovered my feelings towards girls and my lack of interest in boys, I became the target of ridicule and hurtful comments. This was an experience that I could have done without. However, recently, I met someone who had become a genuine friend to me. It had been a refreshing change to have someone who accepted and supported me for who I was.

"Um, I guess we could attempt to be friends," I responded with hesitation.

"You are interesting.” She chuckled. "I would love to chat longer, but I must go now. It was a pleasure meeting you, Kichi. Let's plan a get-together in the future. Give me a call."

"I wish you all the best with the job," I said to her, my voice filled with genuineness.

“You, too. Goodbye," Patrice replied with a nod and a wave.

As I watched her go, my thoughts couldn't help but note her vibrant energy.