At the cafeteria

Felix’s POV

It was my second day at work, and unlike the nerves I felt yesterday, I was finally beginning to relax. I felt a little more settled in now, and thankfully, I had made a friend, Philip. He was assigned a workstation near mine, and he had already proven helpful. Whenever I found myself stuck or unsure about something, he didn’t hesitate to help me out.

But beyond the tasks and files, there was something, or rather, someone, else taking up space in my mind.

That woman.

Since I first bumped into her, she hadn’t left my thoughts. Her face had embedded itself so deeply in my memory that even Ella’s sweet smile couldn’t erase it. I hated how easily my mind had shifted away from the woman I claimed to love so deeply. But the truth was undeniable, I was eager to know more about this mysterious beauty.

I figured Philip might be the best person to ask. After all, he had worked here longer and seemed to know almost everyone.

“Hey, Philip. Can I ask you something?” I said, trying to sound casual though my heart was already racing.

He looked up from his desk quickly, curiosity in his eyes. “Yeah, sure. What’s up?”

I didn’t hesitate. I never did. I was always the kind of person who went after what he wanted, straight to the point. “There’s this lady who works here. She’s slim but curvy, has long hair, big expressive eyes, and fair skin. Do you know her?”

Philip chuckled lightly. “Oh yeah, I’ve seen her around. She usually eats at the cafeteria during lunch. If you head there at lunchtime, there’s a good chance you’ll find her.”

That was all I needed to hear. My heart lifted slightly.

“Do you know her name, maybe?” I asked, this time with a bit more urgency in my tone. I was dying to put a name to her face, sure it would sound as soft and lovely as she looked.

Philip shook his head. “Nah, man. There are so many people here. I don’t know everyone’s names.”

That was fine. I didn’t need her name anymore, I had her location.

At least now I had a plan. I’d see her again, and maybe, this time, I’d talk to her. Hear her voice. Maybe even get to know her.

But my dreamy thoughts were cut short by Philip’s voice. “By the way, why do you want to see her?”

I blinked, caught off guard. What could I say? That I’d been obsessed with her since she walked past me and made my heart stop? That would sound insane. I needed to come up with something, anything, and fast.

“Oh, nothing much,” I lied, raising a pen I’d been fiddling with. “She dropped this yesterday when we bumped into each other, and I figured I should return it.”

Philip looked at the pen and nodded. “Alright, man. Fair enough.”

He returned to his work, leaving me both relieved and stunned by how easily that lie had rolled off my tongue. What was this woman doing to me? Turning me into a liar in under two days?

I quickly pulled myself together. I couldn’t afford to lose focus. This was only my second day on the job, and I knew the manager was probably keeping an eye on me. I straightened up and got back to work, but my mind was already counting down the minutes to lunchtime.

When lunch finally arrived, I made my way to the cafeteria. I had no real interest in the food, especially not public food, but I wasn’t there for the meal. Ella had lovingly packed me lunch as usual, but I left it in my bag. Taking a lunchbox into the cafeteria would’ve been ridiculous, and besides, today was about something else entirely.

I scanned the cafeteria, and there she was.

She was seated alone at a corner table, scrolling through her phone with one hand while slowly eating her food. Today, she wore a form-fitting green dress, which hugged her elegant frame just right. My favorite color. I smiled to myself. “Is this fate?” I whispered internally.

I served myself quickly from the self-service station, though the food didn’t interest me, and made my way toward her. I needed to speak to her. I needed to sit close, even if only for a few minutes.

“Can I sit here, beautiful lady?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm despite the anxiety rushing through my veins.

She looked up at me with those big, enchanting eyes, gave a slight nod, and gestured toward the seat. Her mouth was still full, so she didn’t speak. Her elegance was almost intimidating. I sat beside her, and immediately I was surrounded by the soft scent of her perfume. It was gentle but sweet, just like everything about her.

I stole a glance at her face. Flawless. Her skin was smooth and glowing, her lips slim and delicate, her long lashes casting faint shadows beneath her wide, captivating eyes. And then I saw them, those deep dimples that framed her face perfectly whenever she smiled. I was in trouble.

Trying to keep my composure, I cleared my throat and said, “So… I’m Felix. What’s your name?”

She turned to me and smiled faintly. “I’m Sarah. Nice to meet you, Felix.”

Her voice.

It was soft, warm, and melodious. Like a gentle breeze on a hot day. But then something stung, I could tell she didn’t recognize me. It was disappointing. After all, we had bumped into each other twice already.

“Have you forgotten me so soon, Sarah?” I asked, my voice laced with half-teasing, half-hopeful curiosity.

She tilted her head and looked closer. “I’m not sure… can you remind me, please?”

Our eyes met again, and for a second, everything else in the cafeteria disappeared. I could feel butterflies fluttering violently in my stomach. What was this feeling? I hadn’t felt this in years, not even when I first met Ella. This was something deeper, stranger… dangerous.

“We bumped into each other yesterday in the hallway. And again at the movies last night,” I reminded her gently.

She blinked, then let out a small laugh. “Oh! Now I remember. I kept thinking your face looked familiar. Thanks for reminding me.”

“You’re welcome,” I replied, returning her smile with one of my own.

The moment felt like it could stretch forever, but, as with all good things, it came to an end too soon.

“Felix, my lunch break is over. I have to get going,” she said apologetically, rising from her seat.

I nodded, though I wished I could freeze time. Just being near her, even for these few minutes, had done something to me. It was like a wave had swept through my life and changed the direction of my tide.

“Nice talking to you, Sarah,” I said, watching her walk away.

As I returned to my desk, I couldn’t get her name out of my head.

Sarah.

So simple. So beautiful.

I repeated it in my mind over and over, like a mantra I never wanted to forget.