The Glossy Eyes

Chapter 11: Meeting

Alannah's heart raced as she received an urgent call from her neighbor, informing her of a gas leak in her apartment. Panic surged through her veins as she quickly gathered her belongings, the urgency of the situation propelling her forward. With a sense of urgency, she hurried through the hotel corridors, her senses heightened.

Unbeknownst to her, Nathaniel had been lingering nearby, observing her from a distance. As fate would have it, their paths intersected in a collision that sent Alannah sprawling to the ground. The impact knocked the breath out of her, leaving her disoriented and vulnerable.

Nathaniel's instincts kicked in, and he swiftly moved to her side, concern etched on his face. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.

Alannah groaned, feeling a mix of pain and embarrassment. She struggled to regain her composure, attempting to push herself up from the ground. "I... I think so," she muttered, wincing at the throbbing pain in her knees. "Thank you for helping me."

Nathaniel's strong hand extended towards her, offering support. "Here, let me assist you," he said, his tone gentle yet firm.

Reluctantly, Alannah accepted his help, allowing him to guide her back to her feet. The touch of his hand sent a shiver through her, and she couldn't help but notice the strength and warmth radiating from him. In that moment, despite the pain and chaos surrounding her, she felt a strange sense of comfort in his presence.

"You should be more careful," Nathaniel said softly, concern lingering in his voice. "Are you sure you're okay? That was quite a fall."

As Nathaniel helped Alannah back to her feet, her eyes widened with surprise as she heard his voice. It was a voice she recognized, a voice that echoed through her memories for the past days. Nathaniel's words echoed in her ears, "You? I know you."

Nathaniel couldn't hide his uneasiness, but he mustered the courage to respond. "Yes, you do," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of hesitation and curiosity.

Alannah's mind raced as she tried to place his voice. Suddenly, it clicked. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and she realized that this was the same person she had encountered before, the one who had shown her kindness and rescued her from danger. A mix of confusion and intrigue washed over her.

"I remember now," she said softly, a mixture of surprise and realization in her voice. "You're the one... the one who helped me before. Nathaniel, right?"

Nathaniel's eyes widened in astonishment. He hadn't expected her to remember, considering her blindness and their limited interactions. His guarded demeanor softened slightly as he nodded in confirmation. "Yes, that's correct. I'm Nathaniel."

Alannah's lips curled into a small smile. "Thank you again, Nathaniel, for helping me. I appreciate it more than you know."

Nathaniel's uneasiness shifted into a mix of relief and curiosity. He had kept a watchful eye on her from afar, wondering if she would remember their previous encounters. The fact that she did both surprised and intrigued him.

"You're welcome, Alannah," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "I'm glad I could be of assistance. Is there anything I can do to help you now?"

Alannah nodded, mustering a weak smile. "I'll be fine. Thank you again. I... I really need to go. There's an emergency at my apartment."

Understanding the urgency in her voice, Nathaniel said exasperately. "Do you want my help? I can help"

As Nathaniel asked if he could help, Alannah hesitated, her mind filled with a mix of caution and reluctance. Trust didn't come easily to her. She took a step back, her voice wavering with uncertainty.