Neighbours in destiny

Chapter 4

AN-

Let me know if you guys like this story and if should continue. It has been in my head for months and just want to know what you guys think.

Chapter four.

Waking up before the first light of dawn was a ritual Tris had cultivated over years. There was a certain serenity in starting her day with a jog, the sun painting the horizon with its warm hues as she pounded the pavement alongside the glistening water. It felt like rising with the sun, a fresh beginning each day.

On most mornings, the streets were deserted except for her. So, the sight of a familiar face stepping into the elevator at 6 am, decked out in workout attire complete with his trademark black beanie and oversized sunglasses, was quite the surprise. She nodded to him, offering a polite "Good morning." Despite his infuriating behavior, he was still her neighbour , and a nod or a simple word was a mark of civility.

To her astonishment, he managed a tight smile and replied, "Good morning." His eyes remained fixed on the descending floor numbers, his hands clenched, and his jaw visibly tensed. He seemed uncomfortable, even pained, and when the elevator finally reached the ground floor, he practically bolted out, as though escaping a confined space he couldn't tolerate.

"Are tight spaces not your thing?" Tris inquired, reading his unease. She didn't push for more conversation, understanding that not everyone liked small elevators.

His response came after a few moments of fumbling, his fingers scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, ever since I was little." His voice held a mix of vulnerability and determination, like he was sharing a secret he wasn't entirely sure he should. When the elevator came to a stop and they saw that the sun was not even up yet he stored his sunglasses in his hoodie. Tris looked at him with a puzzled look, as who would wear sunglasses inside and not outside, but she left the question unsaid.

Then came the moment, the tentative question that hung between them. "Uh, do you know any good running routes around here?" he stammered. "Or maybe I could join you?" His smile was timid, a glimpse of an unfamiliar side of him.

Tris returned the smile. "Sure," she said, her tone friendly. "If you can keep up with me."

Without waiting, she dashed out of the building, her feet hitting the pavement in a rhythmic pattern. "Hey!" his voice called from behind, and Tris could sense the determination in his stride. It wasn't long before he caught up. His long legs effortlessly closed the gap her shorter ones couldn't cover.

"Maybe try racing someone your own size, shorty," he teased, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

As they ran, they settled into a comfortable rhythm, stealing glances at each other and the silence between them more companionable than awkward. Tris's Bernese mountain dog, Bailey, trotted alongside them, her tail wagging in a constant state of happiness.

After a while, Four finally spoke up, his voice carrying curiosity. "Is that a Bernese mountain dog?"

Tris grinned, a hint of pride in her expression. "Yep, that's Bailey. He's my running buddy."

He observed the dog for a moment before his attention shifted back to Tris. "You both seem to enjoy it."

Tris nodded. "We both need our daily dose of exercise."

Their pace remained steady, the conversation light as they continued their run. Tris found herself gradually letting her guard down, intrigued by this side of her enigmatic neighbor that she hadn't seen before.

As they neared the end of their run, Four finally broke the silence. "So, are you new to the city?"

His response was casual yet guarded. "Not entirely. I used to live in Chicago until I was about 18."