City life had a way of swallowing time.
For years, your family was trapped in a never-ending cycle of work, school, and endless traffic. Because of the constant rush, you had not visited your grandmother in the province for ages. The distance grew wider with every passing year until your parents finally decided that this summer would be different. You packed your bags for a long-delayed road trip back to your roots, leaving the concrete jungle behind to seek the quiet breeze of the countryside.
The drive was exhausting. By the time the car finally crossed into the provincial borders, the clock was already ticking close to midnight. The city sounds were replaced by a heavy, peaceful silence. The roads were dark, lined with tall trees, and completely empty of other cars. Sitting alone in the backseat, feeling suffocated by the air-conditioned car, you pressed the button to roll the window down.
You leaned your head slightly against the frame, letting out your hand into the cool, fresh summer night air. You closed your eyes, letting your fingers dance against the rushing wind, feeling a sense of freedom you had not felt in years.
Suddenly, a deep, rumbling sound broke the silence. A sleek, dark motorcycle smoothly accelerated from behind, pulling up right alongside your open window. The biker adjusted his position, his dark eyes locking onto yours through the open visor of his helmet.
"Miss, it's not safe—to keep your hand out the window..." he warned, his voice surprisingly gentle.
Your eyes went wide, and you quickly pulled your hand back inside, your heart skipping a beat. Through the glass, you caught a clear glimpse of his face behind the gear. Even with the helmet on, he was strikingly handsome, with sharp eyes and dark hair framing his forehead.
A deep blush rushed to your cheeks as you nodded shyly. With a slow nod of his own, the mysterious biker revved his engine, speeding forward into the dark night, leaving you completely breathless in the backseat.
It was past midnight when the car finally pulled into the driveway of your grandmother's large, old provincial house. The air smelled of sweet jasmine and wet grass. Your grandmother was already waiting on the porch, her face lighting up with pure joy as she pulled your family into tight, warm hugs.
Inside, the house felt comforting and timeless. Everyone gathered around the wooden dining table, drinking warm tea and catching up on the many years of missed conversations.
During the talk, your grandmother smiled softly, looking around the room. "You know, the house became very lonely after your grandfather passed," her voice full of emotion.
"But five years ago, I met a young boy who was completely lost and alone. I decided to adopt him into our home. You all were always so busy in the city, so I never got the perfect chance to tell you."
Your parents looked at each other in surprise. Your grandmother chuckled, waving her hand. "Oh, don't worry. He is the sweetest, most hardworking boy. He does the laundry, washes the plates, cooks the most wonderful meals, and takes care of this old house for me."
She stood up, walking toward the wooden staircase, and called out into the quiet night.
"Quill! Can you come down for a moment? The guests are finally here!"
Footsteps echoed from the stairs. You turned your head casually, but the moment the figure stepped into the warm light of the living room, you froze.
He had changed out of his riding gear into a simple black t-shirt, but those sharp, dark eyes were unmistakable. It was the handsome biker from the empty road. He looked at you, smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he realized who you were.
He stepped forward, bowing politely to your family before his eyes drifted back onto your blushing face.
"Good evening. I'm Quill Lopez," he said, his low, gentle voice sending a familiar shiver down your spine. "It's nice to finally meet you."