Olivia

John turns his head to the source of the voice and sees Olivia standing there. She's petite, barely reaching his shoulder, with a body honed to athletic perfection. Her blonde hair is pulled back into a high ponytail, emphasizing her sharp, delicate features. Her blue eyes are bright, filled with curiosity and concern, framed by thick lashes that flutter with every blink. She’s wearing a fitted tank top and shorts that showcase her toned arms and legs, the product of countless hours of sports.

Olivia‘a skin glistens slightly with sweat, a testament to her own rigorous workout. She radiates energy, her posture effortlessly confident. Despite her small stature, she seems to fill the space around her with a vibrant presence that’s hard to ignore.

“Hey, Olivia,” John replies, trying to sound casual as he catches his breath. He grabs a towel from his gym bag and wipes his face, buying himself a moment to collect his thoughts.

“You looked like you were a million miles away,” she says, her voice light but laced with genuine interest. She steps closer, her eyes never leaving his face. “Everything okay?”

John hesitates, not sure how much he should divulge. But Olivia’s kind expression and the friendly concern in her eyes make it hard to brush her off.

“Just had a weird day,” he admits, his voice lower than usual. “A lot on my mind.”

Olivia nods, as if she understands more than he’s saying. She places a hand on his arm, her touch light but grounding. “Do you want to talk about it? Sometimes it helps to get things off your chest.”

John glances around the gym, noting the busy crowd and the clatter of weights. He isn’t sure if this is the right place for a deep conversation, but the sincerity in Olivia’s eyes convinces him otherwise. He’s known her for a while now, and she’s always been someone he could talk to.

“It’s...complicated,” he starts, feeling the weight of the words even as he speaks them. “Someone I know, someone I work with, said something today that threw me off. I’m not sure what to make of it.”

Olivia nods again, her expression thoughtful. “Do you trust this person?”

“Yes,” John says without hesitation. “She’s someone I respect a lot. It’s just...today felt different. I don’t know if I’m reading too much into it.”

Olivia’s grip on his arm tightens slightly, a reassuring gesture. “Sometimes people say things that catch us off guard, but it doesn’t always mean there’s more to it. Or maybe there is, and it’s worth exploring. Either way, it sounds like it’s been on your mind a lot.”

“It has,” John admits, feeling a bit lighter for having said it out loud. He looks at Olivia, grateful for her presence. “Thanks for listening. I didn’t realize how much I needed to talk about it.”

Olivia smiles, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Anytime, John. Sometimes a fresh perspective can help. And if you ever need to talk more, I’m here. Now, how about we finish our workouts and then grab a smoothie? My treat.”