A Chance Encounter
Nathaniel Summers hated Mondays. The coffee shop he worked at always buzzed with impatient customers, their demanding voices blending into a chaotic hum. Nathan's hands moved swiftly as he worked the espresso machine, his mind longing for the end of his shift.
It was during one of these exhausting mornings that he saw "him".
The man was leaning against the counter, a book in hand, completely out of place in the noisy café. His raven-black hair fell into his eyes, but he didn’t seem to care. When he finally looked up, his piercing green eyes met Nathan's.
"Excuse me," the stranger said. His voice was low and calm, cutting through the clamor like a melody. "Do you have matcha lattes?"
Nathan blinked. He wasn’t sure if he was mesmerized by the man's voice or his ethereal appearance. "Uh, yeah. One moment."
"Take your time," the man replied with a small smile, his gaze dropping back to his book.
When Nathan handed him the latte, their fingers brushed briefly. A strange warmth spread through him, leaving him momentarily flustered.
"Thanks," the man said, his smile widening ever so slightly. He walked out without another word, leaving Nathan staring after him. On the counter was a napkin with a scribbled name: "Zeke"
---
The Maple Tree
Nathan didn’t expect to see Zeke again. But life, as unpredictable as it was, had other plans.
A week later, during his lunch break, Nathan decided to visit the park near the café. He wandered aimlessly until a vibrant maple tree caught his eye. Beneath its fiery red leaves sat Zeke, his book in hand once again.
"You stalking me?" Zeke asked playfully when Nathan hesitated nearby.
"What? No!" Nathan blurted, his cheeks reddening. "I, uh, just like this spot."
Zeke chuckled, closing his book. "Relax, I’m kidding. Come sit."
Nathan hesitated but eventually sat beside him. They talked—about books, coffee, and everything in between. Time slipped by unnoticed, and when the sun began to set, Nathan realized how much he enjoyed Zeke's company.
"Same time tomorrow?" Zeke asked before they parted ways. Nathan nodded, his heart unexpectedly light.
---
The Secret
Their meetings under the maple tree became routine. Nathan found himself looking forward to their conversations, the easy laughter they shared, and the way Zeke's eyes lit up when he spoke about things he loved.
But one day, Zeke seemed distant. His usual warmth was replaced with a quiet sadness.
"Is everything okay?" Nathan asked, concerned.
Zeke hesitated. "Nathan, there's something I need to tell you."
Nathan's heart raced. Was Zeke going to confess something terrible? Did he have a girlfriend? Or worse, a wife?
"I’m not… like everyone else," Zeke began. His gaze was fixed on the ground. "I have… epilepsy. That’s why I’m here most of the time. It’s my escape from the world."
[Epilepsy: A condition where the brain sometimes has abnormal electrical activity, causing seizures (convulsions or loss of consciousness).]
Nathan blinked, unsure of what to say. "Why would that change anything?"
Zeke looked up, surprised. "You don’t think it’s… a problem?"
"Of course not," Nathan said firmly. "You’re still you."
Zeke's lips curved into a soft smile. For the first time, Nathan saw vulnerability in those green eyes—a vulnerability that only made Zeke seem more human.
---
Falling
As the days turned into weeks, their bond deepened. Nathan couldn’t deny the fluttering in his chest whenever Zeke laughed or the way his heart skipped a beat when their hands accidentally touched.
It was during one such moment under the maple tree that Nathan blurted out, "I think I like you."
Zeke froze, his green eyes wide. "Nathan…"
"I know it’s sudden, but I couldn’t keep it in anymore," Nathan said, his face burning. "I like you, Zeke. A lot."
For a moment, silence hung between them. Then Zeke smiled—a smile so radiant that it made Nathan’s chest ache.
"I like you too," Zeke said softly. "But are you sure? I come with a lot of complications."
"I don’t care about that," Nathan replied, his voice steady. "I just want to be with you."
Zeke chuckled. "Then I guess we’ll figure it out together."
---
A New Beginning
Their relationship wasn’t without its challenges. Zeke’s condition occasionally brought unexpected hurdles, but Nathan never wavered. He learned how to support Zeke during difficult times, and Zeke, in turn, showed Nathan the beauty of patience and understanding.
The maple tree became their sanctuary—a place where they could be themselves, away from the judgment of the world.
One crisp autumn evening, as they sat beneath the fiery leaves, Zeke leaned his head on Nathan’s shoulder.
"Thank you," he murmured.
"For what?" Nathan asked.
"For choosing me," Zeke replied.
Nathan smiled, intertwining their fingers. "I didn’t choose you, Zeke. I just… found you."
And under the maple tree, as the sun dipped below the horizon, their hearts beat as one—two souls entwined by fate, love, and the quiet whispers of autumn leaves.
---
The End.
