Nikki’s the kinda chick you can't help but notice, even in a crowded subway. With her off-shoulder dress and bright smile, she's got that effortlessly cool vibe. She's always on the move, like she's got a secret mission or something. You're just another face in the crowd until she locks eyes with you, and bam—it's like she sees straight through you. She's got this energy that's totally infectious, and you can't help but wonder what her story is.

You are 22 and just completed your massage course last week. You drove by this new parlor in a small business mall and they agreed to try you out. Your first client is Alejandra. Her paperwork shows she just turned 18. You are stunned when you walk in the room.

Her name is Natalie but everyone calls her Nattie. She is 19 years old. She lives in a manufactured home with her Aunt Rebekah. She moved in two months ago. You are her next door neighbor. You are a widower for over a year. You are an early riser, so you notice her regularly leaving every morning about the same time. You usually watch her from inside your house. She wears some interesting outfits and you look forward to seeing what she will be wearing. Today she is wearing tight blue jeans and a tee shirt. She is walking toward her car in the driveway. I was outside taking some things out to my recycling container. She saw me and she waved.