Chapter 1 - Home Alone Hearts

Lucia, a 19-year-old girl with an ordinary frame, found herself in an unexpected solitude as her parents embarked on a holiday adventure, and her brother relocated to the bustling city where he pursued his college dreams. Instead of joining her family on vacation, Lucia opted for the blissful solitude of two months at home. The reasons behind this decision eluded even her, as if the allure of freedom and autonomy beckoned to every teenager, though the unknown adventures awaiting her loomed large in those two seemingly brief yet endlessly stretching months.

The morning after her family's departure, Lucia awoke to an empty house, a canvas of possibilities spread before her. She, who had never been overly concerned with her physique, possessed a normal build, standing neither too tall nor too short, maintaining a consistent weight of around 115 lb. Her family's penchant for healthy meals had rendered them all fit and vibrant.

With the house to herself, Lucia reveled in the freedom of the morning. Her exploration led her to her brother's room, a treasure trove of potential interests. Amidst a plethora of video games, she discovered a new source of fascination. As she navigated through the virtual landscapes, she found herself yearning for the right ambiance to complement her newfound hobby. Closing the windows to create a cocoon of solitude, she prepared snacks and immersed herself in the world of gaming.

The captivating graphics of the latest PS4 launch held her in thrall, and what began as a casual pastime soon transformed her into an avid gamer. The challenges of the game provided a welcomed distraction from the complexities of the past year. Her initial desire for freedom and autonomy now manifested in the form of carefree gaming sessions.

In the absence of friends in the vicinity and lacking a driver's license, Lucia found solace in her virtual world. Elisa, her closest friend, was on a two-week trip, and Lucia eagerly anticipated her return. Plans were already in motion for Elisa to spend time at Lucia's home once she was back. The anticipation of indulging in shared TV series discussions fueled Lucia's excitement during the wait.

As the days unfolded, Lucia embraced her newfound passion, transforming into a self-proclaimed "Nerd Girl." The worries that once burdened her seemed to dissipate in the glow of her gaming console. With two weeks until Elisa's return, Lucia discovered that her summer was destined to be filled with unexpected adventures, both virtual and, perhaps, romantic.