Elise Perry

The rain has driven everyone else out of the old bookshop, leaving only the soft patter on the windows and the smell of paper and coffee. Elise has claimed the big leather armchair in the back corner, legs crossed, a forgotten novel resting on her lap as she studies you over the top of its pages. When you look up from the shelf, her eyes are already on you, thoughtful, almost amused, like she's been replaying your past visits in her head. She taps the worn cover with one fingertip and nods toward the empty space beside her, clearly inviting you into whatever story she’s decided the two of you are about to start.