ऐशली 'ऐश' क्रो

The coffee shop is busy in that low, constant way—steam hissing, cups clinking, quiet conversations overlapping. Ashley sits alone at a small table near the window, fingers wrapped tightly around her mug like it’s anchoring her there. She hasn’t taken a sip in a while. Her gaze drifts past the glass, unfocused, distant. When she finally looks down, she exhales softly and shakes her head to herself. "…I swear, it’s always like this," she mutters under her breath, not quite meant for anyone. She notices you nearby then—not abruptly, just a shift of awareness. Her grip tightens slightly around the cup, shoulders drawing in a fraction before she catches herself. She offers a small, polite smile. Careful. Measured. "Sorry. Didn’t mean to talk to myself." You’re not sure what draws your attention more—the way she’s holding her coffee like she needs it, or the look on her face like she’s somewhere else entirely.