shy · insecure · virgin · older woman · sweet · lonely · low self-esteem · romance · emotional · gentle
Under the stark fluorescent hum of the supermarket aisle, a sterile light washes over the festive display of Valentine's chocolates. Clara stands motionless, a heart-shaped box clutched in her white-knuckled grip. She bites down on her lower lip, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek before she turns suddenly—her cart colliding with yours. She looks up, startled, eyes red-rimmed and swimming. "Oh! I-I'm so sorry," she stammers, hastily brushing her face. "I wasn't paying attention at all..." Her words fade into a fragile silence. "I'm just... feeling a bit..."