The Gentle Divide

ch 1: Across the Pages

Sarah wiped the last table and glanced at the clock. It was a few minutes past ten, and the small restaurant she worked at was finally closing for the night. The cozy eatery, with its mismatched furniture and faded photographs of the town's history, was a second home to her. She had been working here since she was eighteen, and though the job paid little, it was all she had to support herself.

She sighed and pulled off her apron, her mind drifting to the stack of books waiting for her at home. Reading was her escape, a window to worlds far removed from her own. She had always been an avid reader, devouring everything from classic literature to contemporary novels.

Recently, she had joined an English language club at the local library to improve her speaking skills, and it had become a highlight of her week.

As she locked up the restaurant, Sarah felt a sense of anticipation. She and her colleagues walked out of the restaurant. Tomorrow was her day off, and she planned to spend it at the library, attending the language club meeting. The thought of it brought a smile to her face. It was there, surrounded by books and like-minded people, that she felt most at peace.

Sarah's small apartment was only a short walk from the restaurant. The town she lived in was quiet and unassuming, with narrow streets lined with old houses and small shops. It was a place where everyone knew each other, and life moved at a gentle pace. She liked it that way, even if it sometimes felt like her world was very small.

Entering her apartment, she turned on the single lamp by her bed and picked up a well-worn copy of "Pride and Prejudice." She had read it countless times, but Elizabeth Bennet's wit and resilience never failed to inspire her. Sarah settled into her favorite chair, a tattered but comfortable piece she had found at a thrift store, and began to read.

As the night wore on, Sarah's thoughts drifted to the future. She dreamed of bigger things—traveling, experiencing new cultures, and perhaps even finding love. But those dreams seemed distant and unattainable, like stars in a far-off sky. For now, she would focus on her small steps, like improving her English and saving money bit by bit.

The next morning, Sarah woke up early, feeling a flutter of excitement. She quickly got ready, donning her favorite navy dress, a simple but elegant piece that made her feel confident. The library was her destination, and the English language club her purpose.

When she arrived, the library was already bustling with activity. She found her usual seat in the club's meeting room and greeted the familiar faces. The club was a diverse mix of people—students, retirees, and a few professionals—all united by their love for the English language.

As the meeting began, Sarah lost herself in the discussions and exercises. She enjoyed the camaraderie and the opportunity to practice speaking in a supportive environment. It was during a break, as she was perusing the shelves, that she heard a deep, pleasant voice behind her.

"Excuse me, do you know where I can find books on world history?"

She turned and saw a man she had never seen before. He was tall, with a commanding presence and an air of confidence. His dark eyes held a warmth that immediately put her at ease.

"Sure, they're just over here," Sarah replied, leading him to the correct section. "Are you new here? I don't think I've seen you around before."

"Yes, I'm just visiting," he said with a smile. "My name is Seif."

"Sarah," she introduced herself, she smiled but did not return Seif's handshake. Realising Sarah's gesture, Seif "took" his hand back.. "Are you here for the language club?" Sarah asked.

"Actually, I was just exploring the town and decided to stop by. I'm glad I did. It's a lovely place."

They chatted for a few more minutes, and Sarah found herself drawn to his easy charm and genuine interest in her town. Seif mentioned he is a pilot and loved to explore new places during his layovers. His life sounded fascinating, filled with travel and adventure, so different from her own.

As the club resumed, Sarah couldn't help but glance over at Seif a few times. He had found a book and was engrossed in it, occasionally looking up to observe the club members with a thoughtful expression. There was something about him that intrigued her, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

The meeting ended, and Sarah gathered her things, preparing to leave. To her surprise, Seif approached her again.

"Sarah, it was great meeting you. Would you like to grab a coffee sometime? I'd love to hear more about your town and your favorite books."

She hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. But then she smiled and nodded. "I'd like that. There's a little café around the corner that's quite nice."

"Perfect. How about tomorrow afternoon?"

"Tomorrow it is," Sarah agreed, feeling a flutter in her chest. "At 4 pm," Sarah added.

As she walked home, Sarah's mind was abuzz with thoughts of Seif. There was something different about him, something that made her feel seen and valued in a way she hadn't felt before. She knew their worlds were vastly different, but for the first time in a long while, she felt a spark of hope.

Seif, on the other hand, was deeply intrigued by Sarah's passion for books and her refreshing honesty. As they parted ways after their conversation, he couldn't help but feel that there was something special about her. Her enthusiasm and authenticity had captivated him, and he knew that he couldn't simply let Sarah slip back into the pages of her books. He wanted to see her again, and soon.

Little did she know that this sanctuary of hers would soon introduce her to Seif, a man who would change her life forever.

Seif was not what Sarah expected. He was handsome and well-spoken, with an air of confidence that intrigued her. But what really caught her attention was his genuine interest in her thoughts and opinions. Unlike others who had come into her life, Seif seemed to truly value what she had to say.

And so, the stage was set for a story of love, conflict, and growth—one that would challenge both Sara and Seif in ways they could never have anticipated.