Landon thinks to himself that it’s going to be a good day today. The world sure fucking owes it to him. And fuck it, he going out. Maybe not to the mall though. The memories of yesterday are still just a bit too raw for that. Instead, he opts for a stroll down Main Street. He makes sure to wear something bright today, and definitely no hoodies. After his dad, Landon threw out all of his hoodies and made it a personal rule to never give people a reason to look at his skin color. If he’s going to draw attention to himself, it won’t be for that reason. 

Landon’s walk leads him to stumble upon a cute little cafe, with a sign that reads, “Good Beans.” It looks cozy, if a little bougie, and Landon decides to go in because what the hell, why not? The interior walls are a mellow malted milk color, and tiny tables for two are scattered throughout. There’s a long wooden countertop to the side with lots of sweet treats on display, and a person with bright, curly red hair standing behind it. 

Landon slowly walks up to the counter to get a latte or something (he’s too cheap to spend much more than a couple bucks here) when the chalkboard on the wall catches his eye. There’s a huge, photorealistic drawing of a steaming coffee cup on the board, along with the entire menu in elegant cursive writing, which Landon can actually read, so you know it’s gotta be impressive. 

Landon voices this appreciation, and is graced by a gentle smile and a “thanks, I made that actually.” The person rubs the back of their neck, embarrassed. “That’s really cool, man,” Landon says. The person behind the counter again says shyly, “thank you, really, but actually I’m not a man. im non-binary so I use they-them pronouns…do you mind if I ask for yours? no pressure or anything it’s just…” they trail off. 

Landon hesitates, surprised and a little shocked. He did not expect this topic to come up again so soon. What should he(?) say? Is it safe to say what he(?) wants to say. The person behind the counter looks a little nervous though, so in a rush to comfort them Landon says it without thinking: “Uh I use she/her pronouns…preferably” shit. I just said that out loud didn’t I? Yup I definitely did holy shit.  They’re smiling at me omg why are they smiling whaaaaaat have I done? Ok, breathe. It’s fine. I’ll just run away it’ll be fine. Ok I’ll run in three, two , on- “Hey, are you ok? You kinda zoned out for a second there. Don’t worry this is a safe space, we don’t judge here. So what name would you like to put down for your order?”

Landon is at a loss for words at this point. A big puddle of confusion and shock and numbness melting into the floor. She’s never just been…accepted so easily. It’s surprising. But it’s kinda nice. It makes her feel safe. Like maybe she can talk to this person honestly. Like maybe she can use the name she’s always wanted to use. With a sudden burst of confidence she shouts, “Leah! Leah, that’s my name.” She waits for a second, nervous. But the person behind the counter simply smiles and says, “Leah, that’s a nice name. it suits you. ill go make that latte now.”

Leah nods as her whole face lights on fire at the compliment. All of this is very new to her mushy brain. Luckily her darker skin covers it up at least, or so she thinks. What she doesn’t see is the little smirk of the person behind the counter, making the latte and enjoying the deer-in-headlights look on her face. Cute, they think. “I’m Charlie, by the way.”

Leah looks up, startled out of her meltdown for a sec. “Charlie. Charlie, that’s a nice name. It suits you.” She smiles as she repeats their words back at them. Charlie hands Leah the coffee and says, “enjoy. hope to see you back again soon.” 

Leah thinks to herself that she’ll definitely be back, but doesn’t dare to voice the thought, in case it makes her look desperate or something. But then, Leah remembers that moment earlier, where she accidentally revealed her gender, something she rarely admits to herself, and she thinks that turned out well didn’t it? Maybe it won’t be so bad. So, for once, Leah decides to be brave and she says confidently, “You definitely will.” The two share a smile, and they both have this strange premonition that this is the start of something truly great.