INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY
The soft hum of a cozy coffee shop. A light breeze stirs the autumn leaves outside the window. Inside, a young woman, ROSE (late 20s, bookish, gentle), sits alone at a small table, typing on her laptop. Her cup of coffee sits half-finished beside her. The door jingles as a man, Charlie (early 30s, casual, a bit disheveled), enters. He scans the room for a seat. The shop is crowded, but he spots the empty chair across from Rose.
CHARLIE
(half-smiling)
Is this seat taken?
ROSE
(looking up, a bit surprised, but smiles)
No, go ahead.
Charlie sits down. Rose returns to her typing, but there’s a small pause as they both feel the spark of a new, unspoken connection.
CHARLIE
I hope I’m not interrupting.
ROSE
(laughing softly)
No, I’m just trying to finish this chapter.
CHARLIE
(raises an eyebrow)
Chapter? What are you writing?
ROSE
(surprised by his curiosity, glances at her screen)
It’s a story about two people who meet by chance. Maybe it’s a little cliché, but it’s where my head is today.
CHARLIE
(leaning in, intrigued)
I don’t know, it sounds interesting. Does the story have a happy ending?
ROSE
(softly, looking at him for the first time, curious)
I haven’t decided yet. It depends on how things go for the characters.
Charlie pauses, his gaze lingering for a moment longer than necessary. A flicker of something deeper passes between them.
CHARLIE
Well, if you ever need a good ending…
(he smiles warmly)
You could always write us into it.
Rose laughs, surprised, a little embarrassed, but charmed.
ROSE
(laughs)
I’ll consider it.
They share a quiet moment, both looking down at their respective coffees. The world around them seems to slow. Through the window, the leaves outside flutter in the autumn breeze.
CHARLIE
You know… I’ve always thought that the best stories are the ones that surprise you. Like… meeting a stranger in a coffee shop.
ROSE
(smirking)
Maybe that’s the plot twist.
CHARLIE
(smiling)
If you write it, I’ll read it.
He stands up, hesitating for a brief moment.
CHARLIE
Maybe… I could buy you another coffee sometime. We could finish the chapter together.
ROSE
(raising an eyebrow, playful)
Do you think you’re up for a writing session with me?
CHARLIE
I’m up for anything that has a happy ending.
Rose pauses, clearly considering his words. There is a beat of silence before she smiles softly.
ROSE
Okay. But no spoilers.
Charlie grins, about to walk out the door.
CHARLIE
I’ll keep it a mystery.
He exits, the door jingling behind him. Rose watches him go, a soft smile on her face. She returns to her screen and begins to type. Her fingers hesitate for a moment as she decides on a new direction for her story. It’s no longer just fiction.
FADE OUT.
THE END.
