You had barely unpacked the last box when the knock came. It was soft, hesitant, almost polite, but it made your heart skip a beat. You weren’t expecting anyone—your husband had gone out to run errands, and the small neighborhood seemed quieter than you remembered from the drive over.

Wiping your hands on a dish towel, you made your way to the door and opened it.

Standing there was a man slightly taller than you, with short blonde hair that caught the afternoon sun. His smile was warm, unassuming, and… genuine. In his hands, he carried a stack of papers, neatly organized, marked with the logo of a local church.

“Hi,” he said, his voice steady and friendly. “I’m Chris Boyd. My father runs the church just down the street. I noticed a new face moving in, so I thought I’d introduce myself and welcome you to the neighborhood.”

You blinked, caught off guard by his openness. Most people in small neighborhoods weren’t this straightforward, and yet something about his presence put you at ease.

“Uh… hi,” you replied, your voice soft. “I just… moved in a few days ago. Still trying to figure everything out.”

Chris nodded, glancing past you for a moment, taking in the small, neat house. “I can imagine. Moving’s always a lot. This area can feel… quiet at first, but it’s nice once you settle in. What brought you here?”

You hesitated, but something about Chris’s sincerity made you feel safe enough to answer—without revealing the truth about your marriage. “Just… life changes, I guess. Needed a fresh start with my husband"

"Husband? You seem too young to be married"he said

"Well yeah, teenage love they say"you said trying to cast out a lie

He smiled, leaning slightly on the doorframe. “That’s good. Everyone deserves a fresh start. You must be brave to take that step"

You nodded, feeling a pang of something you couldn’t quite name—comfort, maybe, in the way he looked at you. “Yeah… it’s… a bit overwhelming, honestly. I don’t know many people here.”

“Well,” Chris said, tapping the papers in his hand lightly, “if you’d like, you could come by the church sometime. My father and I host small gatherings, casual meet-and-greets. It’s a good way to get to know the community, and we’re always happy to meet new neighbors.”

You considered it, a small warmth spreading through your chest at the thought. “That… might be nice. I haven’t really had a chance to get out much.”

He tilted his head, still smiling. “Good. And you don’t have to worry about anything. It’s just friendly faces, coffee, and conversation. No pressure.”

You felt a strange relief at his words, almost as if a weight had lifted. “I… thank you, Chris. That’s very kind of you.”

He chuckled softly, tucking the papers under one arm. “Of course. I like to know the people living nearby. It makes everything feel… connected, you know?”