I am so very out of practice when it comes to creative writing. I needed to ease my way back into things and thought a little little letter fic could be useful. Hope you enjoy, it came to me in a moment of exhaustion fueled whimsy, nothing I have slaved over so comments of either kind are welcome.

As always I do not own the characters of this story

Dear Stranger Sitting Four Tables Down,

I've been watching you for a while now, not in a creepy stalkerish way it's just that we seem to have our lunch breaks at the same time of day and this café is clearly a favourite for both of us.

I don't remember exactly when I first noticed you but it has been weeks since I started to really watch. It's not that you are attractive although you more definitely are, it's something about the way you hold yourself, it's as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders and has been for so long that you seem to be use to it or even comfortable with it but it is a burden that isolates you from people.

You seem lonely

Sometimes I consider walking over and talking to you but what would I have to say? I feel like I imagine you do sometimes; a pebble in a river battered by the currents and fighting to keep my footing without anyone noticing.

Gosh that sounds maudlin, that is not my intention.

You smile as well, when you watch people on the street outside our window going about their busy, exciting, important lives.

Every day I see you notice one woman in particular; she's beautiful with long red hair and such a personality that even her walk shows her strength and sass. I wonder if you love her. Do you work together? She married to your best friend perhaps? No, no wedding ring. Does she know you? I could have sworn she looked at you the other day without recognition. You looked both relieved and heartbroken, have you changes since she last saw you? A high school crush maybe?

You always leave soon after that, smiling blindly at the waitress as you leave your full cup of complementary coffee and a half eaten slice of custard tart. Where do you go once you leave? What is your life like? Is it as dull and soul crushing as mine? I hope not, I would rather believe yours has mystery and drama at every turn, are able to discover, experience and explore the world and find moments that make your burdens worthwhile.

I hope you find someone who sees you when she looks at you.

Goodbye mystery man, I write you this letter because you will probably never see me again. I am moving away for a new job. Perhaps I will find some excitement for my life too.

Yours sincerely

Toshiko Sato.