The headlights of Kristina’s car cast strange shadows on the walls of the library as she shut the engine off. Once again, she would spend another evening at the computers; another evening of combating the emptiness she felt inside.

"Only a few more weeks," Kristina muttered to herself. "A few more weeks, and I'll have my own computer and won’t have to keep coming back to the library." Kristina could reluctantly admit to herself that she was a lonely girl, and if it were not for the occasional venture onto the Internet, she would not have much of a social life at all.

Kristina sighed, as she gathered her papers and locked the car door. Walking up the library steps, she wondered how long would it be before she would know the bliss of another's touch; a touch beyond the awkward guy groping and fumbling in the backseat of yet another, disappointing date. Kristina yearned for the touch of true desire from a lover with passion for her, and no one else. She had become disappointed to the point of bitterness, believing that God had denied her the pleasures that seemed to come so easily to others.

The stale scent of countless books and periodicals greeted Kristina as she walked past the librarian, who merely smiled and nodded to her, in a now routine and familiar manner. Kristina was a regular to the few computers her library had. One could always count on her to be sitting at the keyboard on Friday nights, catching up on her e-mail and chatting with folks, whom she was sure led far more exciting lives than hers. Most nights she would be alone. Other nights perhaps two or three girls her age, in their early twenties, would be sharing on various chat rooms or message boards.

Tonight was unusually crowded, as all computers were occupied, save one. Taking the last remaining seat, Kristina paid little attention to the lovely young woman with long chestnut brown hair seated at the computer next to hers, other than to notice she was quite beautiful. The girl’s perfume teased Kristina’s senses, and for the briefest of moments, she felt a flush of excitement waft over her. She smiled at the girl, and a warm and genuine smile was returned.

Kristina was mildly confused at her own feelings, but figured they were the result of being too tired, or due to the cravings anyone might have for the attentions of another, no matter who they might be. Craving the attentions of a friend and confidant with whom she could share the most the intimate passions and joys, had been an ongoing desire for Kristina for quite some time. However, she had become so used to the frustration of this unfulfilled desire. Kristina did not yet recognize the potential treasure sitting next to her.

As the evening wore on, Kristina typed up several friendly letters, then briefly chatted with some friends in far-off places, occasionally being