Through the wall

XII

Time seemed to fly when one was busy. Sammy's birthday came and went, along with an entire month where Off's life hadn't changed much. The only notable difference at home was his daughter's significant improvement at school—she was reading quite well now, and her growing academic confidence had boosted her self-esteem. For her birthday, Off's mother had gifted her a collection of beginner-level short stories. Sammy had asked Gun to help her practise during his lessons, and every night, she would delight her dad with a bedtime story, filling their home with laughter and warmth.

Sammy was as smitten with their neighbour as he had once been, but now, only she received those affectionate looks. Off, meanwhile, was the sole recipient of the "death glares," a genetic gift he was sure came from that family.

Since deciding to keep his distance from Gun, life had become much simpler and calmer. His garden and his daughter were enough for him; he enjoyed his uncomplicated life as he watered the plants. He particularly felt relieved when he noticed his daughter's tutor's busy lifestyle. Lately, Gun went out every weekend—sometimes Fridays and Saturdays—always with the boy who loved hugging him and his friend Camila. By that age, Off had already decided to settle down. Luckily, he no longer cared what Gun did; Gun was free, and Off was perfectly fine with that.

Meanwhile, Gun's life had changed dramatically. In stark contrast to his neighbour's peaceful routine, his own had become much busier. He quickly realised that being a teacher essentially meant having no life. However, he managed to organise his schedule to keep his weekends free. He worked mornings twice a week, afternoons on the other days, and spent his evenings planning lessons and grading. His days were packed, but he wasn't complaining. His focus on work kept him occupied and far from dwelling on the pointless crushes he no longer knew how to uproot from his heart.

His life felt fulfilling: he loved his job, his sister was happy with her partner, and she was gradually embracing the idea that he had matured enough to start living his own life without her constantly worrying about him. Jimmy had become a great companion for his sister, and Gun was increasingly accepting him as part of the family. Jimmy cared deeply for her and respected her pace, never pressuring her despite his clear desire for them to move in together. If his sister was happy, Gun would wholeheartedly cherish the person who made her feel that way.

On weekends, his only free time, Gun allowed himself to sleep in and enjoy the company of his sister, Jimmy's family, or his friends. They'd formed a social group that included Cami, Sing, and a female colleague of Sing's.

Most Fridays, they'd head to Krist's bar for karaoke, unwinding after a long workweek. Sometimes, they'd meet on Saturdays, either to go dancing or gather at a friend's place for a game of drinking trivia. The one who failed to answer correctly had to drink, which always turned into great fun since most of them were teachers—the competition was fierce.

Gun's relationship with Sing had never returned to what it once was, but Gun had come to accept that this was due to his own discomfort. Sing had mentioned he was dating someone he'd met at Krist's bar. He and his female friend often talked about this guy, and Sing seemed genuinely enthusiastic.

However, Camila wasn't as thrilled about Sing. She thought his behaviour was inappropriate, often invading Gun's boundaries unnecessarily.

"Ami, don't you think it's odd how he asks such inappropriate things at the wrong moments?" she remarked a few days before while giving him a lift home after school.

"That's just how he is—he's a bit eccentric. Once you get to know him, you'll see he's like that with everyone."

"No, I wouldn't let him get away with it. Honestly, and don't get mad because I know you care about him, but I don't like how he behaves when he's been drinking. He gets too handsy—it's unpleasant."