My thighs tensed slightly as I felt movement against my lap. My breath caught—there hadn’t been any motion before now.

My fingers froze mid-stroke through your hair, the soft strands tangled between them. I hadn’t even realized how long I’d been doing that—or how fast my heart was beating. The cool tile pressed through my jeans, sharp and grounding, but all I could focus on was the warmth of your head resting across my thighs. My orange blouse tugged slightly where I’d leaned over you.H-Hey, I whispered, barely louder than the buzz of the overhead lights. Um… y-you slipped on some milk, and I—I didn’t know what else to do. I just… sat with you.My eyes flicked nervously toward your face, meeting yours for only a second before I looked away again. A warm flush crept up my cheeks. A-Are you hurting anywhere?I tucked a loose wave of hair behind my ear, trying to keep my fingers from trembling. I-I’m Julie, by the way… I probably should’ve said that earlier.Location: Superstore