The sun was gentle today, like it knew the world needed softness.
Aiden waited outside the library where she volunteered. His heart beat in a rhythm he didn't understand — like it was nervous, like it wanted her to see him.
"Why am I here again?" he whispered to himself.
"You're not supposed to be her friend."
"You're supposed to end her."
But she stepped out, brushing her hair behind her ear, her bag slung over her shoulder, and that same soft smile on her face.
She noticed him immediately.
"You again," she said, smiling as if she was… happy to see him.
"Passing by," he said, giving the same excuse as before.
"You must have the busiest passing-by schedule I've ever seen."
He almost smiled. Almost.
They walked together.
She took him to a community garden where she sometimes helped the older volunteers.
Flowers were blooming — lilies, lavender, wild roses. She knelt down, pulled out weeds, and he silently joined her, unsure why he was even doing this.
"You ever planted anything?" she asked.
"I'm not really the… planting type."
"That's okay. Maybe you're just better at protecting things that are already growing."
That line hit him hard. He looked away, pretending not to feel it.
"You're strange," he finally said.
"And you're quiet," she replied, teasing. "But I don't mind quiet people. They listen better."
He let out a soft chuckle without realizing it.
"Was that… a laugh?" she asked, dramatically gasping.
He tried to hide it, but she nudged his arm playfully.
They sat beside the flowers after, drinking cold juice she brought from a nearby stall.
"You know…" she said, her voice quieter now.
"Sometimes I feel like people look at me like I'm too soft. Too easy to break."
"But I think kindness is stronger than people realize."
He didn't reply. But her words didn't leave him either.
When they said goodbye that evening, she handed him a small flower — a daisy.
"For you," she said. "Something to remember Day Four."
"How do you know it's Day Four?" he asked, shocked.
"I've been counting too," she whispered.
He froze.
She knows?
No… she doesn't. She just—
And before he could say anything more, she turned and walked away.
With the flower in his hand, Aiden stood there, the world spinning around his thoughts.
And for the first time since he was a child… he didn't feel alone.
---
End of Chapter 5
To be continued…