Daily Flash Fiction Challenge

As the sun dipped behind the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, Mia sat alone on the weathered bench by the lake. She watched the water ripple gently, lost in her own thoughts. Suddenly, a voice broke the silence.

"What is your favorite color?" A small boy stood before her, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Mia smiled at the unexpected question. "Blue," she replied, her gaze drifting back to the tranquil scene before her.

The boy nodded thoughtfully before taking a seat beside her. "Mine's green," he said, pointing to the lush trees lining the lake.

They sat in comfortable silence, watching as the colors of dusk deepened around them. Mia found herself enjoying the company of this young stranger, his innocence a welcome distraction from her own troubles.

As darkness fell and stars began to twinkle overhead, Mia knew it was time to go. She bid the boy farewell and made her way home, feeling lighter than she had in weeks.

Later that night, as she lay in bed, Mia couldn't shake the feeling of warmth that had settled in her heart. Sometimes, she realized, the simplest questions could lead to the most meaningful connections. And as she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't help but wonder what other surprises life had in store.