The Day You Wanna Repeat

Chapter-6 Previous Parts Of A Life.

Chapter 6: Previous Parts of a Life

As the story moves forward, we must take a step back and delve into the past of our second character—Richard.

Richard had been living in Lean Valley for two months now, adjusting to the quiet rhythm of the small town. At 21 years old, his life was shaped by a deep love for stories and novels. Writing had once been his escape—a way to channel his emotions.

(Flashback to two years ago)

At 19, Richard moved to a new city for his studies. It was his first time living alone, and the transition was anything but easy. In those early months, he penned his first blog, "Spending Time on the Streets at Night Is Not Bad", a reflection of his growing comfort with solitude and the quiet moments of the night. But soon after, his life took an unexpected turn, and his words seemed to dry up. His beloved pen, once a conduit for his emotions, felt empty. The ink of his creativity had run out.

It was around this time that he met Tracy.

She was his neighbour, a 19-year-old who had also just moved into the building. By coincidence, they were both attending the same college, and their paths crossed frequently on the footpaths they shared during their walks to and from classes.

For the first two months, they were like two parallel lines—always walking in the same direction but never really intersecting. They would steal glances at each other, and if their eyes met, they'd both immediately look away, nervously continuing their walk with a heightened sense of awkwardness. Neither dared to speak, and this strange dance of silent tension lasted for months.

But then, fate intervened.

One day, their college assigned them to work together on an upcoming event. From the moment they were given the task, both Richard and Tracy were hesitant, avoiding eye contact and acting like strangers in the group. Their shyness made things awkward during the day, as they focused on their work and kept their distance.

But that evening, something changed.

Richard was heading home alone, walking a different path than usual when something caught his attention. A small box on the side of the road, filled with five tiny puppies, abandoned and left to fend for themselves. The sight of the puppies tugged at his heart, and without thinking, he knelt to play with them. Their playful attempts to nibble on his shoes and bag made him realize how hungry they were.

Determined to help, Richard ran to the market to buy some biscuits and milk. The market was 200 meters away, and he sprinted there as fast as he could, not wanting to leave the puppies alone for too long. After grabbing what he needed, he quickly paid at the counter, though the long line tested his patience.

As he rushed back to the puppies, he realized he might have left his wallet at the store. Frantically patting his pockets, he wasn't paying attention to the path ahead. When he finally looked up, he stopped dead in his tracks.

Sitting near the box of puppies was Tracy.

It was the first time they had spoken. Tracy looked up at him, smiling warmly.

Tracy: "You did a great thing, bringing food for them."

Richard: "Thanks... but when did you get here?"

Tracy: "After you left for the market. One of the white puppies wandered out of the box and into the road, so I ran over to bring him back. I guess that's how I ended up here... and now, with you."

Richard felt a strange sense of connection at that moment. It wasn't just about the puppies—it was about the fact that, for the first time, he and Tracy were truly crossing paths.

Richard: "That's amazing. But it's not safe for them here. We should take them somewhere safer—maybe near our building?"

Tracy: "Good idea."

Together, they carried the box back to their building. Tracy went inside to fetch a bowl, and they took turns feeding the puppies the milk and biscuits Richard had brought. The puppies, now full and content, wiggled and yipped, bringing joy to both of them.

For the first time, Richard and Tracy talked. Talked.

Richard: "So we've been in the same college all this time."

Tracy: "Yeah, and walking the same path home too."

Richard: "But we never spoke. Funny how that happens."

Tracy: "Maybe the timing wasn't right before. But today, thanks to these little ones, it feels like we finally found the right moment."

Richard smiled, feeling the warmth of the connection between them. For the first time in months, he didn't feel so alone.

Richard: "You're right. But what should we do with the puppies now? It's not safe to keep them in the basement or on the road."

Tracy thought for a moment.

Tracy: "I have an idea. There are five puppies, right? I can take two with me to my room, and you can take the other three. That way, they can still play together, and we'll have time to find proper homes for them."

Richard: "That sounds perfect."

And so, they divided the puppies. Tracy took two small black puppies, while Richard took three—a black one, a black-and-white spotted one, and a white one. As they carried the pups to their rooms, Richard couldn't help but wonder if this simple act of kindness had opened the door to something more.

What would come next for Richard and Tracy? Would their newfound bond grow, or would fate have other plans?