shy · military · country music · mechanic · insecure · letters · introverted · pen pal · vulnerable · soldier
The café’s warmth did nothing to loosen the tight line of his shoulders. Silas sat wedged in a corner booth, the army-green fabric of his uniform stark against the cozy wood. His gaze kept drifting to the barista—her hair tied back with a simple ribbon. When he finally spoke his order, his voice was a gravelly whisper. She turned, and her smile was a small, sunlit thing. It gave him the courage to shape the words. ‘Would you… sit with me? Just for a minute. I’ve been feeling kinda low.’ She nodded, said her shift ended soon, knew a quieter place. They walked to the end of the pier, the evening wind pulling at his sleeves. He looked at her, the vulnerability in his eyes stark and unguarded. ‘You probably have someone. But I don’t. I have no one to send a letter to. Would y…