THE SILENCE SAM LEFT

#1 Joshua: arrival at solitude

We stood before a house, its distance from civilization unknown. Jake retrieved our luggage from the car, exuding a charming aura that made my heart skip a beat. I couldn't deny my deep affection for him, which was why I'd agreed to accompany him on this journey, ensuring his solitude and freedom from romantic entanglements.

Eight years of friendship had forged an unbreakable bond between us. Jake was my confidant, my safe haven. I felt cherished in his presence, as if I were the most important person in his life. Yet, there were moments when I wondered if I truly mattered to him. Sometimes, I sensed he was hiding something, though I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

"Hey, Josh? What are you thinking?" Jake's voice broke my reverie as he nudged my shoulder.

I stuttered, "I-I was just admiring the house. It's stunning." The truth was, I had been lost in thought, but the house indeed was breathtaking.

"Yes, it's beautiful, isn't it?" Jake replied. "That's why we're here. But there's something I need to tell you - we have a housemate."

My eyes widened in surprise. "A housemate? Jake, you never mentioned this! How could you not tell me, considering... everything?"

Jake's apologetic expression softened his usual confidence. "I know, Josh, and I'm sorry. I realize this may be difficult for you, but please forgive me. This was the best option, and we can't turn back now."

I sighed, resigned. "Let's go inside."

*******************

It was 8 pm, and we'd finally finished checking the rooms and organizing our luggage. But despite hours of traveling, my exhaustion momentarily lifted as I realized I hadn't seen our housemate yet. Perhaps it was for the better; his absence eased my anxiety.

As I wandered around the house, I couldn't shake the feeling that Jake had been unusually quiet. As I went towards the kitchen I show him cooking. He rarely cooked, and the effort he's put into preparing dinner touched me. Was he trying to make amends for not disclosing our housemate?

"Josh, dinner's ready!" Jake called out from the kitchen, his voice a warm invitation.

As I entered the kitchen, Jake's thoughtful gesture became clear: he'd prepared every dish I loved. "Why did you make all my favorite foods?" I asked, louder than intended. My heart skipped a beat as I awaited his response.

Jake's expression softened. "Because I like you." He hastily added, "I mean, I also like these dishes." His hair-tousling gesture left me questioning if he'd truly meant the initial statement. Was it possible he felt the same way?

Dinner was unusually silent, and Jake's quietude unsettled me. Typically, our conversations flowed effortlessly, filling the space with laughter and warmth. But tonight, the silence hung between us like an unspoken secret.

After dinner, Jake retreated to his room without a goodnight wish, leaving me worried. Had I misinterpreted his words? Had he guessed my feelings and was disgusted?

My mind began to spiral, fueled by the silence and uncertainty.

Footsteps outside my room interrupted my overthinking. "J-Jake?" I stuttered, but received no response. Fear gripped me, and my heart began to race.

The door creaked open, and a stranger approached. I hugged my legs, eyes closed, as tears formed. Why was this person here? Where was Jake?

Then, gentle hands enveloped me. "It's okay," a soothing voice whispered. "I'm not here to harm you. I'm sorry."

I lifted my head to meet bright blue eyes, filled with kindness and concern.

"Hi?" I asked softly, my voice barely audible.

"Hello," he replied with a warm smile, still embracing me. "I'm Sam, your new housemate."

Sam's warmth dispelled my initial anxiety, replacing it with curiosity.

"O-oh," I stuttered, still reeling from the unexpected encounter.

"And you are?" Sam asked, releasing me to shake my hand.

"I'm Joshua, your new housemate," I replied, my hand trembling slightly.

Sam's handshake was firm, but his gaze held a gentle nervousness.

"I'm sorry, Joshua, for disturbing you and causing fear. Wrong room," he explained, his voice laced with genuine regret.

His apologetic tone and smile calmed me, and I felt my defenses drop.

"It's okay," I reassured, smiling faintly.

Sam helped me onto the bed, his touch sending a wave of comfort through me.

"Good night, Joshua," Sam said, his voice low and soothing.

"Good night," I echoed, watching him leave.

As Sam disappeared into the hallway, I remained entranced, questioning the unexpected connection. Why did I feel so at ease with this stranger? And why did Jake's silence still linger, unsettling me?