My tire went flat. While struggling with it, a man in a pickup truck pulled up. In a matter of minutes, he did all the work. When he took off his sunglasses, my heart dropped. It was my new neighbor. He had been secretly watching me for the past month. I started my car immediately.
I lived alone in a cozy house on the outskirts of town, tending to my garden and selling produce at the local market. My trust in people had been shattered years ago when my fiancé betrayed me. Since then, I valued my peace and avoided close relationships, especially with men. My garden became my escape, where I felt in control and at peace.
One sunny afternoon, I noticed a moving truck next door. A tall man with dark hair was directing the movers. He glanced over and our eyes met. I quickly looked away, pretending to be engrossed in my gardening.
