Destined Strangers

Chapter 5

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
Anaïs Nin

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The library is another haven for him, a place where he can be close to her without being noticed. He feels safe among the shelves, hidden from the world, yet able to observe her from afar.

Surrounded by dusty books and the musty smell of old paper, he finds solace in watching her study.

Her brow furrows in concentration, her lips moving silently as she reads.

These are the days when his admiration is pure, untainted by the darkness that will later consume him. He feels invisible, a ghost hovering around her, longing to be seen, to be noticed.

But life has other plans, and his admiration slowly turns into an obsession, a fixation that leads him down a dangerous path.

The past is behind him now... With her so close, he can't afford to let this chance go to waste again. One way or another, she's going to be his, and he won't make any mistakes this time.

___

"I'm hardly ever wrong about understanding people."

His piercing gaze makes her want to confess the threatening notes she's been receiving, the feeling of vulnerability in her own home, and the uncertainty of who to trust in this foreign land. But she remains silent, as she always does.

With some time to spare before leaving for the hospital, she lingers by the window, watching the fading sunlight drape the street in soft hues of amber and rose. The breeze flutters through the open window, carrying with it the faint scent of autumn leaves.

As the minutes pass, she reaches for her coat, preparing to leave. But then something catches her eye-a small bouquet of familiar flowers resting delicately on the doorstep. Her breath hitches.

Accompanying the flowers is a note, folded with care, its corners soft as though handled many times. She frowns, a flicker of unease and curiosity stirring within her. How had someone managed to leave them without being noticed?

She glances up and down the street, but there's no sign of movement. No trace of the mysterious figure who's been leaving these for days. Only the wind responds, whispering through the trees as if it holds the secret she longs to uncover.

" I don't like it when you fraternize with strangers and laugh with them. I'm sure you won't give me reason to complain again. Otherwise, you'll face the consequences.

Love."

The BELL above the door jingles as Hassan pushes open the creaky entrance of "Page & Co.," a charming independent bookstore nestled between a vintage clothing store and a bustling cafe.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and old books envelops him.Towering shelves, lined with volumes of every shape and size, stretch towards the ceiling.

Soft golden light spills from table lamps, casting a warm glow on the plush armchairs and cozy reading nooks scattered throughout the store.

His first day at a temporary job begins with a warm welcome from Adina, the store owner. His task is to familiarize himself with the store's layout and assist customers with their queries.