When Love Falls Silent

Grace

I'm on my way to the university after the semester break, ready to start the third semester with new courses and new teachers. My phone rings, and its Daniel calling just as I'm walking towards the university. 

"Hey, Daniel, don't worry, I'll be on time," I assure him, assuming he's concerned about my punctuality. 

"No, Grace, it's not about that," he replies with an unusual tone of concern in his voice. 

"Are you inside the university now?" His question catches me off guard. 

"No, just about a meter away," I respond, growing increasingly curious and worried. "Is everything okay?" 

"Kind of. Listen, Grace, don't come in through the main entrance," he says urgently. "You remember I told you once about another entrance to university?"

 I recall him mentioning an alternative entrance to the university before, though I've never used it. "Yeah, I remember," I reply, eager to find out what this is all about. 

"Good, Grace. I'm waiting for you there. Please, come here now," he says with a sense of relief in his voice. Without waiting for my response, he ends the call abruptly, leaving me with no choice but to head to that alternate entrance he mentioned.

As I approached the backside of the university, I spotted Daniel from a distance. He immediately gestured for me to be quiet, his finger held to his lips. The perplexity of our covert movements deepened within me. We were legitimate students, entitled to use the front entrance like everyone else. Closing the gap between us, I whispered, "What's happening? Why are we sneaking in this way?"

Daniel drew nearer and whispered his response, "Just keep your voice down and follow my lead. We need to climb over this wall." My bewilderment grew; why were we resorting to breaking into our own university? Yet, without any clarification, Daniel took both our bags, effortlessly slinging them over his shoulder. The wall he directed me to was not exceedingly high, but it presented a challenge for someone like me. Neglected and bearing a noticeable crack, this side of the university appeared devoid of any regular visitors. Daniel managed to scale the wall with ease and grace. Now seated atop it, he reached down to assist me. My fear of making the jump held me back. 

"Are you serious, Daniel?" I questioned, disbelief tingling my words. The idea that we had to sneak into our own university was difficult to fathom. In response, he touched my leg, urging me to descend slowly, but my apprehension of the leap remained overwhelming. With gentle persistence, he tugged me until I was practically lifted off the wall. As I landed on the ground, he effortlessly took me into his arms. 

Once he had me safely on my feet, he chuckled and quipped, "You were heavier than I expected, Grace." His laughter seemed misplaced, considering he still hadn't provided a satisfactory explanation for our surreptitious entry. I fixed my gaze on him, awaiting clarification. 

"What's happening?" I demanded. His response was enigmatic: "I just want to make sure you're safe." His cryptic words left me baffled, pondering what possible danger he believed he was protecting me from. He took my hand, and we continued onwards, seamlessly blending into the bustling heart of the university. At least for now, it appeared that our unconventional entry had gone unnoticed by the oblivious crowd.

As we strolled towards our department, Daniel casually placed his hat on my head. I couldn't help but inquire, "What's this for?" 

His hands remained on the cap, and he looked down at me, replying, "I told you I'm trying to keep you safe." His cryptic words left me puzzled. Safe from what, or whom, I couldn't fathom.

"From whom?" I pressed, but he offered no answer, merely continuing to walk. My patience wore thin, and I halted abruptly. Several steps ahead, Daniel noticed my halt and pivoted to face me. A shared sense of exasperation hung in the air. He closed the distance between us until we were face to face.