Chapter 1: Exposition
Sophie Thompson sat alone in the coffee shop, her slender fingers delicately tapping against the screen of her phone. Her hazel eyes were filled with a mixture of longing and restlessness as she scrolled through social media feeds that showcased the seemingly perfect lives of her peers. The soft glow from the screen illuminated her face, highlighting her youthful features: high cheekbones, a button nose, and lips that held a touch of melancholy.