Dear (2022)

🍁 Seven : Secret Admiration + CAST

SECRET ADMIRATION

Genevieve woke up feeling a sense of renewal after two days of battling with sadness. Today held the promise of a fresh start for her, and she was determined to make the most of it.

Keeping herself occupied with household chores helped to distract her mind, even though she hadn't received a call from her husband in two days.

The soothing melody of music filled the air as she swept the floor, the breeze from the open window adding a sense of serenity to her surroundings.

Deciding to tend to the garden next, Genevieve donned her sun hat and boots before heading outside with a watering can in hand.

As she filled the watering can at the water pipe, she heard the front door slam shut. 

Looking up, she saw Alex from the neighboring house, equipped with a rake and shovel, mirroring her attire.

Their eyes met, and he offered a friendly greeting. "Good morning."

Returning the smile, Genevieve nodded in response. "Morning."

Silently, they went about their respective tasks, with Genevieve watering the plants while Alex cleared away the dried leaves under the tree.

After a while, Genevieve broke the silence. "Is Mancy home?"

Alex paused, wiping his forehead. "She's inside. Do you want to see her?"

Shaking her head, Genevieve declined. "No, it's fine."

"Okay," he replied, focusing on his task.

As Genevieve continued watering the plants, her attention was drawn across the street to the old man who seemed to be watching them intently. Feeling unsettled, she quickly looked away.

Suddenly, a loud buzzing sound startled her, and she recoiled as a bee flew by her ear. Alex turned around in concern. "Hey, are you okay?"

Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Genevieve reassured him. "Yeah, I'm alright. Just a bit scared of bees, that's all."

Relieved, Alex chuckled. "I thought it stung you or something. Sorry, I tend to worry."

"It's okay, I appreciate your concern," she replied with a smile.

Their conversation flowed naturally, and Alex couldn't help but feel drawn to Genevieve's warmth and kindness.

After sharing a few laughs, Alex realized he hadn't properly introduced himself. "I'm Alex," he said, extending his hand for a handshake.

Accepting his gesture, Genevieve introduced herself. "Genevieve, but you can call me Evie."

Their handshake lingered for a moment longer than usual, and Alex couldn't shake the feeling of connection he felt with her.

Genevieve hesitated, feeling a mix of reluctance and curiosity. "Well, I should probably get inside. It's getting pretty hot out here."

Alex nodded, understanding her need for shelter from the sun. "Yeah, it's definitely heating up. Don't want to get sunburnt."

Chuckling softly, Genevieve agreed. "No, definitely not. Sunburns are the worst."

As she turned to leave, Alex couldn't resist adding, "Hey, if you ever need help with the garden or anything else, feel free to ask. I'm just next door."

Surprised by his offer but grateful nonetheless, Genevieve smiled warmly. "Thank you, Alex. I'll keep that in mind."

With a final wave, Genevieve disappeared into her house, leaving Alex to finish his tasks in the garden.

As he continued to rake the leaves, Alex found himself lost in thought, replaying their conversation in his mind. 

There was something about Genevieve that intrigued him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that their encounter was the beginning of something special.

• • 🍁 • • •

Every time Genevieve encountered new people, like the new neighbor Alex, she couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety. 

Her introverted nature made it challenging for her to engage in casual conversation without worrying about saying the wrong thing. 

Despite her best efforts, she always felt like she might inadvertently offend someone.

After getting herself a glass of water in the kitchen, Genevieve made her way to the living room. 

She closed all the open windows to block out the heat, wiping the sweat from her brow and neck with a towel as she sat down on the couch. 

She waited for the air conditioner to cool the room, hoping it would provide some relief from the sweltering heat.

As she sat in silence, her phone remained stubbornly silent, exacerbating her worry about Vincent. 

The sound of a voice pulled her out of her thoughts, and she looked up to see the little boy standing before her once again.

"I'm afraid he had a crush on you," he said, his words echoing in the room.

Genevieve sighed, feeling exasperated. "I've told you before, I just want to be alone," she said, her frustration evident.

The little boy sighed in response without careless. "No matter how many times you say that, I'll never leave your side, Evie. You're meant to see me, and I'll always be there."

Genevieve's patience wore thin as she addressed him once again. "If I meant to see you and talk with you, will you listen to me?" she asked, her tone tinged with annoyance.

The little boy's eyes welled up with tears. "Why can't you just speak nicely to me? I have feelings too, you know," he sniffled, wiping his tears away.

Genevieve rolled her eyes, feeling a twinge of guilt. "You're being unreasonable," she said, her frustration bubbling to the surface.

The little boy's sobs grew louder, and Genevieve's irritation reached its peak. She turned away from him, ignoring his cries as he continued to wail.

"I hate you, Evie! I thought we were best friends forever!" he screamed, his words ringing in her ears.

Genevieve's heart clenched at his words, but she remained firm. "I never promised that," she replied tersely.

With one final outburst, the little boy stormed off, leaving Genevieve feeling drained and unsettled. She shook her head, trying to dismiss the encounter as a figment of her imagination.

But deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that something strange was going on, and the little boy's presence continued to haunt her thoughts.

End of chapter Seven.