Hello Rosalynna

Chapter Fourteen: Family |✔

March 20th, 2037

Chapter Fourteen: Family  |✔

"Smokin' weed out the container
We spend cash for our entertainment
There's more where that came from, that's all I'm sayin'
It's me and you and we makin' arrangements"
Sativa // Jhene Aiko

Valentina Carson

I approached the apartment building with each step echoing softly on the pavement, the brisk fall breeze tugging at the edges of my coat. The structure loomed ahead, a harmonious blend of brick and ivy that spoke of a bygone era's craftsmanship. The bricks, worn by the passage of time, seemed to hold the stories of countless seasons within their weathered surface.As I drew closer, the vibrant ivy clung to the walls, its leaves ablaze with the fiery palette of autumn. The tendrils of green and red wove a natural tapestry, and a subtle fragrance of damp earth and fading leaves filled the air.

The row of apartments, each with its own personality, stood in quiet solidarity. Their windows, adorned with curtains that hinted at the uniqueness within, reflected the warm glow of lamps and the occasional silhouette of someone moving about inside. A few windows were adorned with potted plants, a touch of individuality against the uniform backdrop of brick.

The entrance, marked by a wrought-iron gate, materialized before me like a portal into a world where time unfolded at a gentler pace. The gate, a work of intricate design, creaked softly as I pushed it open, inviting me into a courtyard adorned with a scattering of autumn leaves. The cobblestone path led the way to the communal entrance, and as I walked, the soft crunch of fallen leaves beneath my shoes added a melodic undertone to the quiet dignity of the surroundings.

Dallas's apartment was on the second floor, a short ascent up a narrow staircase with worn wooden steps. As I climbed, the echoes of my steps reverberated through the staircase, creating a comforting cadence that accompanied me on the journey upward. A framed picture on the wall at the halfway landing captured a moment frozen in time, showcasing the building's past with a group of residents from years ago, their smiles echoing the enduring sense of community.

Reaching the second floor, I arrived at the corridor where a patterned carpet runner led me to Dallas's apartment. The door, much like the entrance to the building, was a sturdy oak with a polished brass knocker. The hallway, though narrow, felt inviting, adorned with framed artwork and small decorative touches that reflected the unique tastes of the residents.

His apartment was just a few steps away, and the anticipation built with each stride. The proximity to the entrance and the cozy charm of the stairwell added to the sense of intimacy that permeated the building, making it feel like a place where friendships were nurtured and memories were crafted.

I knocked on the apartment's oak door twice, the anticipation building with each tap. As I waited outside, the crisp fall air danced around me, carrying the faint scent of decaying leaves. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, causing the branches to rustle about. A few stubborn leaves clung to the branches, reluctant to yield to the changing winds. The door swung open, and there he was—Dallas, his bright smile warming my heart. Stepping inside his small apartment, the familiar scent of roses wrapped around me like a comforting embrace.

"Hey babe," he greeted me with a soft kiss, his lips leaving a lingering warmth. Dallas closed the front door, the click of the lock echoing in the cozy space.