When We Were Stanger

Shadows and Light

The days of October seemed to blend together, with each one bringing its own mix of challenges and discoveries. My routine was a blend of lectures, study sessions, and moments with friends, punctuated by those occasional glimpses of something new and exciting. One chilly afternoon, while walking through the campus to meet Celine and Rae for a group study session, I bumped into Thomas again. This time, he was carrying a stack of blueprints and appeared deep in thought."Hey, Rochelle!" he called out, noticing me. "I didn't expect to see you here. Are you on your way to the library?" "Hi, Thomas!" I responded, smiling. "Yes, I'm meeting up with Celine and Rae for a study session. What about you? Busy day?" "Yeah, just working on some plans for a design competition," he said, his eyes lighting up. "It's been a bit hectic, but I'm excited about it."I glanced at the blueprints he was holding, intrigued by the detailed sketches. "Those look impressive. What's the competition about?""It's a redesign project for a community space," Thomas explained. "The goal is to create something that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing, while also incorporating sustainable practices. It's challenging but fun.""That sounds amazing," I said, genuinely interested. "I'd love to hear more about it sometime.""Absolutely," Thomas agreed. "I'd be happy to share more. Actually, if you're free, I could use an extra set of eyes on these designs. Maybe you could give me some feedback?"I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, I'd be happy to help."We agreed to meet at the café we'd visited before, and I felt a sense of excitement at the prospect of seeing Thomas again. 

The café had become a place of unexpected connections and meaningful conversations.Later that afternoon, as I walked into the café, I found Thomas already seated at a corner table, his blueprints spread out before him. He greeted me with a warm smile as I approached."Thanks for coming, Rochelle," he said, gesturing to the seat across from him. "I really appreciate it.""No problem," I replied, taking a seat. "I'm looking forward to seeing what you've been working on." As we went through the designs, Thomas explained his ideas and the challenges he was facing. I offered my thoughts and suggestions, and we spent the next couple of hours engrossed in the project. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and I felt a genuine connection growing between us.At one point, Thomas looked up and said, "You know, Rochelle, I've really enjoyed our conversations. It's nice to have someone to discuss these things with."I smiled, feeling a flutter of warmth. "I've enjoyed it too. It's been great to have someone who shares the same interests."

As the evening drew to a close, we packed up the blueprints and prepared to leave the café. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the city streets. Thomas and I stepped outside, and the crisp autumn air was invigorating.

"Well, this has been really helpful," Thomas said, stretching his arms. "Thanks again for your input. It's always good to get a fresh perspective.""I'm glad I could help," I replied, my spirits lifted by the enjoyable afternoon. "I'd love to see how your project turns out."Thomas smiled and glanced at his watch. "I should probably get going. But how about we catch up again soon? Maybe we could grab a coffee next week?""That sounds great," I said, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I'll look forward to it."As we said our goodbyes, I walked back to my dorm with a light heart. The day had been filled with engaging conversation and a genuine connection, and it was a refreshing change from the usual routine.

Later that night, as I settled into my room, I felt a pang of uncertainty. Despite the pleasant distraction that Thomas provided, my mind couldn't help but wander back to the café and the enigmatic figure I'd glimpsed. I reached for my journal, hoping that writing down my thoughts might help clear my head.

Journal Entry:

October 25, 2021Today was one of those days where everything felt unexpectedly right. I met Thomas at the café again, and we spent hours discussing his design project. His passion for architecture and his genuine enthusiasm for the work he's doing were contagious. I really enjoyed our time together, and I felt a connection that was both refreshing and comforting.

But even as I walked home feeling uplifted, there's this part of me that can't shake off the lingering thoughts of that man from the café. It's like there's this shadow that keeps hanging around, even when I'm surrounded by light and warmth. I'm starting to feel a bit scared about all of this—the uncertainty, the feeling of being pulled in different directions.

I know it's not fair to compare Thomas to someone I barely know, but I can't help it. There's something about the mystery and the allure of the man I saw that keeps tugging at my heart. I keep wondering if there's more to the story, something I haven't quite figured out yet.

For now, I'm trying to stay present and enjoy the moments I have. Thomas is a wonderful distraction, and I'm grateful for his friendship and the joy he brings into my life. But the past has a way of creeping back in, and I'm left grappling with feelings I'm not sure how to process.

I guess all I can do is take it one day at a time and see where this journey leads. The future is still a mystery, but maybe that's what makes it so intriguing.

As I close my journal, I hope tomorrow will bring more clarity and less confusion. For now, I'm holding on to the moments of joy and connection that I've found, and trying to embrace whatever comes next with an open heart.

Until then, Rochelle.

The next morning, the crisp autumn air and the sight of fallen leaves scattered across the campus ground seemed to set a hopeful tone for the day. I was determined to keep pushing forward, to stay engaged in the present while the past lingered in the background. The connections I was forming, whether with Thomas or others, were a reminder that life was full of new possibilities and experiences.

With each new day, I felt a little more prepared to navigate the uncertainties and to embrace the journey ahead, one step at a time.