Through the wall

V

"And? How's the neighbour?" Camila said with a teasing smile. It was the fifth time she'd caught Gun staring fixedly at the wall dividing the two houses, completely ignoring their conversation.

"I wish I knew," he replied without thinking.

"It's easy, you've got two options: 1. Take your phone and text him. 2. Walk out to the street, go next door, and ring the bell," Camila said, always making things seem simple. Gun wasn't sure if it was because of her profession as a therapist, but she had a gift for making him feel like his problems were all in his head.

"If only it were that easy. Besides, he gave me his number years ago. He might've changed it by now," Gun responded.

"Who changes their number these days? Anyway, it's harder sitting here looking like a sad little puppy, sighing over your impossible love — the next-door neighbour," she said, striking a dramatic pose, as if reciting an old love poem.

"Shhhhh! Jennie will hear you!" he exclaimed.

Camila raised her hands in apology, though a knowing laugh escaped her.

Gun didn't mind; in fact, he found it refreshing. He'd met her during his teacher training at the local school, where he'd officially start working in a couple of weeks. Camila was part of the support team for the children at the school. They were roughly the same age and had become friends immediately. It was a click he couldn't quite explain, but she was already his best friend. They talked about everything, and for Gun, she had become his safe place.

Camila leaned in a bit and said in a low voice:

"Seriously, you should do whatever you want. Six years staring at a wall sounds overwhelming... I know you love romance and butterflies, but don't you feel a bit fed up? Or are you thinking of giving Sing a chance?"

"Sing's not my type, and besides, he's my friend," Gun replied, sounding a bit weary, as he had repeated it many times before.

"Yes, a friend who kissed you and you... well, let's say you didn't stop him," she added, with a knowing look.

Gun shot her an annoyed glance.

"Come on! Your sister knows how old you are. I get that she hates the neighbour and that we can't talk about him, but I'm sure she imagines you've done more than you actually have."

"True, but that doesn't mean I want to talk to her about it. It's my private life, and I'd prefer to keep it between you and me, thank you very much!"

"You're right, Piglet, sorry," she said, giving him a peck on the cheek and wrapping him in a hug.

Gun couldn't help but smile. He cared for her deeply.

"Can you stop calling me that? It's bad enough with my sister," he protested, more for the sake of it than out of any real annoyance.

At that moment, Jennie came out of the house wearing a floral dress and dance shoes. She looked radiant, her tanned skin glowing under the emerging moonlight.

"I'm off. Jimmy will pick me up at the door. I asked him not to come in because he always ends up chatting for ages, and I don't want to be late. I'll be staying at his tonight. There's food in the fridge and..."

"I know, sis, go have fun. Give Jimmy my regards," Gun said, blowing her a kiss.

"And mine too," added Camila, winking. Jimmy was quite handsome, and she had made sure Jennie knew it.