Chapter 1: Recycling Fate
Chapter 1: Recycling Fate
Mara balanced her overstuffed recycling bag, grimacing as she tried to toss it into the bin without touching anything. Her tiny town had only one recycling center, tucked behind the grocery store, and today it seemed more chaotic than usual. As she navigated the mess, she nearly stumbled over a large, unkempt pile of cardboard boxes—and into the back of a tall, dark-haired man sorting glass bottles nearby.
“Whoa, careful there!” he said, steadying her with a friendly smile.
“Oh, sorry!” Mara blushed. She regained her balance and glanced up, taking in his face. He looked vaguely familiar—maybe a new resident? Or maybe she’d seen him in line at the store?
“No harm done,” he chuckled. “Seems like this place could use some tidying up, don’t you think?”
Mara laughed. “You’re not kidding. I swear half the town’s old junk ends up here.”
The man extended a hand. “Leo. Recently moved back to town. And I guess I’m part of the junk today.”
She grinned. “Mara. Self-designated recycling queen.”
They shared a few more polite exchanges before Mara tossed the last of her items into the bin, feeling a strange warmth lingering from his handshake. She told herself it was just a coincidence—a chance meeting. After all, it was hardly romantic to bond over cardboard boxes and glass bottles.
Still, as she walked back to her car, she found herself glancing over her shoulder. Leo was still there, and when he caught her looking, he offered a small, almost secretive wave. Mara couldn’t shake the feeling that something meaningful had just happened.
