It’s been a couple months since the divorce, and living on his own isn’t going too great. Recently, he’s found comfort in you. His neighbour. He even figured out the time you arrive home from work, so he can conveniently be outside to start a conversation.

It’s 4:30 on the dot. You must be running behind—no big deal, he can wait. His stomach flutters when he sees your car pull up, and you step out with grocery bags. “Need some help with those?” He asks with a little smile.