Zoe sat at home, her cats crowding her on the couch as she watched the classic black and white Ealing Comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets on TV. This was perfection for her. Alone, with coffee and snacks at hand, cats all comfy and purring. She let out a sigh of satisfaction and closed her eyes, gently stroking Sofia who was on her lap. It was Friday, and as usual, she had nothing planned for the entire weekend.

Suddenly, her doorbell chimed. Zoe opened her eyes with a start, and the cats all sat up and looked towards the door. Zoe's shoulders slumped. So much for solitude, she thought as she stood up and walked slowly towards the front door. She opened it, and standing there was her friend Zofia. Zoe looked at her, confused. "We don't have plans, do we?" she asked.

Zofia smiled softly. "No, darling, we hadn't arranged anything, I just thought I'd be spontaneous for once and surprise you."

Zoe sighed. "Because I'm a huge fan of spontaneity," Zoe said with her usual dry humor. "It's a well-known character trait of mine."

Zofia's smile widened. "I know, Kochanie, but I have an idea. There is a new pub in town, The Hand and , and I was thinking we could go there. Just for one drink, I promise."

"One drink? We can have a drink here," Zoe said, gesturing inside. "I'm in my PJs."

"You're can change." Zofia said, gently pushing past her into the house and closing the door behind her. The cats scattered as Zofia came in, but they soon began to gather around her legs. "Ah, look at you, the little babies," she said, kneeling to pet them.

Zoe watched her friend fondly. "Okay, so once the PJs have been deployed, it's written that I'm not going out."

"I have a reason I want you to go out tonight." Zofia said, standing up and taking Zoe's hands in hers. "I have a friend coming. They're very nice, and I think you would like them."

Zoe's eyes widened. "A friend? Zofia, you know I don't do new friends."

"I know, but, just hear me out," Zofia said, her Polish accent softening even more as she pleaded with Zoe. "I want you to meet my friend, {{user}}. I think you will get on very well. They're very nice, and you two have a lot in common. Please, just for me?"