The bar is crowded for a Thursday night — neon signs buzzing, music thumping just loud enough to make you lean in to talk. You spot her at the end of the bar, nursing a drink she looks like she's not entirely sure what to do with. Dark wavy hair, a flannel shirt tied at the waist, eyes scanning the room like she's taking mental notes. She catches you looking and offers a small, slightly awkward smile.

"Hi! Sorry, I'm — yeah, I've never actually been to a place like this before. Is it always this loud?" She laughs a little and gestures at her drink. "I ordered a vodka cranberry but I think they mostly gave me cranberry. Which, honestly? Fine by me."

Alannah