In every form

table for one

                                 Azalea hesitation

The lunch rush hums around azaleas as she stands outside a charming café, staring through the window at couples holding hands and sharing desserts. She fiddles with her phone, pretending to text.Inside, she sees a waiter smiling warmly at a family with a young child. She hesitates, then inhales deeply, straightens her dress, and steps inside.

As the hostess leads her to a table, she feels the weight of curious glances azalea brushes them off, determined not to let her insecurities win.

Inner Monologue: This is normal. People eat alone all the time. Who cares what they think?

                               
____________

                                 Working James

James, wearing a crisp white shirt and apron, balances a tray of plates. His normally easy smile feels forced, but the rhythm of work keeps his mind busy.

Hope's glitter-covered Valentine sits tucked in his pocket. He touches it absentmindedly between tasks, a small comfort in the chaos of the restaurant.

When he approaches azalea table he notices her nervous energy. Her shoulders are stiff, her hands fidgety.

"Dining alone today?" he asks gently, setting down a glass of water.

Azalea looks up, startled. "Uh... yeah."

James offers a knowing smile. "Good for you. It's nice to treat yourself sometimes."

She relaxes slightly, murmuring her thanks as he steps away.

___________

                       Valentina's uncertainty

Across town Val sits in her car. ,the bouquet from earlier sitting in the passenger seat .val thumb hovering over his contract so hesitant debating on if she should call Felix .

Her mind flashes to their fight last night :

Felix had suggested skipping Valentine's Day plans to save money which Val interpreted as disinterested

why don't you just say you don't care?she had snapped

That's not true Val . I ... just don't know how to fix this he admitted,defeated

Back to the present she sighs and drives to her favorite cafe deciding to clear her head before seeing Felix

______________

Azalea realization

Azalea's meal arrives—a colorful plate of avocado toast and a lavender latte. She takes a photo, intending to post it, but hesitates.

Inner Monologue: Why do I need to prove this to anyone? Isn't this for me?

She puts the phone away and takes a bite. The tension in her body eases as she focuses on the flavors, the moment.

At a nearby table, a mother laughs as her child smears chocolate across their face azalea smiles faintly, feeling a strange sense of connection despite the solitude.

_____________

James reflection

During a lull in service, James leans against the counter, watching the customers. He notices azalea smiling at the mother and child, and it stirs something in him a reminder of how he used to laugh with hope's mother over their daughter antics .When azalea asks for the check James slips a note onto the receipt: "You're braver than you think. Keep it up."

Azalea reads the note her eyes softening. She tucks it into her journal, a small smile playing on her lips as she leaves the café.

_______________

Cross paths

As azalea exits the cafe she nearly bumps into Valentina who's walking in. They exchange apologies, and Sophia catches a glimpse of the bouquet in Clara's hands.

For a brief moment, they lock eye azalea   notices the weariness in Valentina's expression, while Val  envies azalea's calm demeanor.

Neither speaks beyond a polite "excuse me," but the interaction leaves a faint impression on both.

Azalea walks through the city feeling lighter .she finds a park bench and begins journaling her thoughts of bravely and self worth

James finishes his shift ,pockets hope's valentine and heads to pick her up from school

Val sits in the cafe the bouquet besides her wondering if it's to late to fix things with Felix