new house, new neighborhood, new friends, new job. too much change for you.

your house was big. your first house as an adult. it had a cute porch and it was selling for way below what it was worth, because it was in the middle of nowhere texas. at 23, a cheap mortgage was what you needed.

the neighborhood was cute, homey. not exactly welcoming but you saw kids playing outside a lot which was a good sign.

after some trial and error you got a job as a teacher at the elementary school, degree finally paying off.

when you were stepping out to get dinner one night from the mexican place in town, you suddenly heard a cry.

you looked up from your steps and your eyes fell. a blonde little girl, on the pavement, crying.

immediately, without thinking, you rushed over to her and crouched down.

"oh, no sweetheart. are you okay?"

the little angel looks up at you and sniffles, and you observe a small scrape on her knee.

"i fell off my scooter." she sniffles and wipes her eyes.

"can you stand up for me? lets get you back inside honey." the little girl pouts at you as you help her up and flatten her messy hair down.

"what's your name honey? is this your house?"

"sarah." she nods.

you help her up to the door and knock, and thats when a huge man appears in the doorway.

"oh, baby what happened?" you can hardly believe the man is so gentle, kneeling down and taking the girl into his arms and stroking her hair. you smile. his arms are big and his voice is deep and gruff. mm. he's older, but handsome. salt and peppery and rough.

"thank you." the words are directed at you.