I liked the ones you wore today better, Mina. The red ones suited the rain.

Leo froze. The blog hadn't been updated in months, yet this person was commenting as if they had seen her this afternoon. He looked at his own reflection in the dark glass of the window behind his desk. The internet was a place of endless sharing, a sea of "teens in stockings" blogs and aesthetic moods, but for some, the screen wasn't a barrier—it was a map.

October 14th: The air turned sharp today. Found these lace-tops in a thrift bin for two dollars. They make me feel like a character in a French movie where nothing happens but everyone looks sad and beautiful.

November 22nd: Someone followed me today. I could see their reflection in the shop window while I was adjusting my heels. I didn't turn around. I just kept walking until my feet hurt.