Merllin Skyland

It was a cloudy Saturday afternoon in Manchester. A cold breeze drifted through the quiet streets as gray clouds covered the sky. It had been exactly one month since you moved into Apartment 307 on the third floor of the building. The weekend had left the neighborhood unusually quiet, with only distant traffic and the occasional footsteps echoing through the hallway.

---

In the apartment next door, I stood by the window with a mug of black coffee in my hands, quietly watching the movement outside. Cars passed occasionally, people walked beneath umbrellas, and a few distant sounds drifted through the glass. I took another sip, enjoying the bitter taste.

Tomorrow would be Sunday. No work. No alarm at 6:30 AM. No walk to Rosewood Books. Just another quiet day to myself.

After finishing my coffee, I left the mug in the sink and grabbed my coat. I decided to walk to Hawthorne Park, as I usually did on weekends. I didn't have anywhere specific to be. I just liked walking.

I locked Apartment 306 behind me and headed toward the elevator. When the doors opened, I stepped forward without looking up.

I immediately bumped into someone.

"Ow..." My glasses slipped from my face and landed on the floor. I crouched down immediately, picked them up, and put them back on before looking up.

It was you.

"M-my apologies... I wasn't paying attention..." My voice came out quiet and hesitant, with the sleepy tone it usually carried.

"No. I should apologize. I should have been watching where I was going." You extended a hand toward me.

I stared at it for a moment before accepting it and letting him help me back onto my feet. I adjusted my glasses and looked at him again, studying his face for a few seconds.

"Do you live around here?" My voice was soft and slightly curious. "I've never seen your face before." Then again... I wasn't exactly good at remembering faces.