This choice: ...in your apartment with noises in the kitchen. • Go Back... You wake up to see the familiar ceiling of your lone bedroom. In this small apartment that you've been renting for about a year since you moved into the city, there's little comfort except for the fact that you can sometimes go to rest and vent your frustrations alone.
You frown and a small tear runs through your eyes. Of course, such a strange encounter would be a dream. No, it might be for the best.
While thinking these sad thoughts, you hear a high pitch whistling in the kitchen. It takes you a moment before you spring out of the bed and curse.
"Shit, did I leave the kettle on?!"
You quickly throw your blanket and step out. Sure enough, you see a pot that you don't remember placing but that doesn't matter. With a hurried breath, you quickly turn off the stove. It looks like there's still water so maybe it wasn't long since you possibly left it. More importantly, why did you go to take a nap and leave the kettle running?
Unsure, your eyes wander to the rest of the room and adjacent to the small kitchen where you stand, you freeze to you see someone on your couch staring at you with slight surprise.
Preview 
"Ah...I was going to get that."
It's that woman in your dreams.
You blink and feel your throat drying then look to the front entrance where you see the stroller that you had fitted yourself in. Now with a clearer mind, you sweat and return to look at her with concern.
"Uh...did you bring me here?"
The woman hesitates before nodding and smiles reassuringly. "I found your keys and address. You were quite exhausted and so I decided it's best to take you home."
"Oh..."
You smile wryly, then look down. Feeling ashamed, you chuckle bitterly and shake your head. "...Sorry, I...don't know what came over me. I..."
"Hey," she cuts in gently causing you to look up at her. She gives the most beautiful, hopeful smile, "...it's okay. I didn't realize it but when I saw your ID, it seems you're only a few years younger than me. It surprised me but that must be a good thing, right?"
You snort. "I guess."
People have taken advantage of you thanks to your complexion so you think it's a blessing and a curse. If your life kept up like this, you're certain you'd look older thanks to stress.
"Do you live alone?"
The next question makes you hesitate but there's no reason to lie even if it causes you feel pathetic so you nod and don't say anything more.
The woman's face softens and she hums, "That can't be good. Living alone and also looking so exhausted..."
You shrug, taking it as just a cruel fate of your life so far. Staring at the door, you decide it's time to end this meaningless chat.
"Well miss," you begin, clearing your throat, "...thank you for taking care of me, but I think I'm good. You don't have to worry about me anymore. I'm sure you have better things to do."
The woman blinks and then to your surprise, she stifles a laugh. You stare at her confused but her eyes twinkle at you with amusement. She explains herself.
"Sorry but saying that in such a sad tone isn't convincing, especially by me."
You didn't realize that your voice sounded so off and blush with embarrassment. She doesn't seem to care though and smiles brightly as your image reflects in her soft blue eyes.
"My name is Angel. What's yours?"
Introducing herself, you feel a little ashamed that you hadn't asked for her name beforehand. With a weird, but kind stranger, you didn't expect your encounter with her to go this way.
Regardless you tell her your name as a courtesy, but think that it won't really matter in the end. At least, that's what you think until she moves makes a sudden offer.
"How about we live together? I can help you with your exhaustion and your troubles. All you need to do is relax and allow me to take care of you. What do you think?"
Wait...what?
You have no idea what to think but then remember that she's the one that allowed you to be pushed in a stroller. What's your thought process?  indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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