Episode 1

The morning began with a gentle rainfall, the sky saturated and the soil drenched. A crisp yet chilly air was felt, making it a challenge to step outside as the wind would swirl the water around, rendering the shelter of an umbrella virtually useless.

In a downtown apartment area, everyone sought refuge within their homes or under bus stops.

While many jostled at a stop to avoid getting wet, a young woman with auburn hair walked by, completely soaked. She carried several bags, returning from shopping. Onlookers treated her as an oddity, for the water was cold and fell with severity.

Some recognized her; she lived in one of the apartments alone.

Her name was Rosemary, barely 20 years old, having moved in just a few months prior. She kept to herself, venturing out only on an as-needed basis.

Reaching her apartment, number 49 on the fourth floor, Rosemary paused outside her door to gaze at the overcast sky, which she enjoyed. "Oh... Rosemary, good morning," said a kindly woman emerging from the next apartment. Rosemary looked at her and nodded in greeting. "Seems you've beaten me to the shopping today, eh. You're all wet; make sure you don't catch a cold," the woman remarked, reaching out to feel Rosemary's damp clothing. "I'll be... fine," Rosemary managed to say. "I hope so, and just so you know, you can tell me if you need anything, okay. See you later," the woman said, departing.

Rosemary offered a smile before the woman left and then entered her apartment.

This lady, Anahera, an elderly woman, was the only one who treated her kindly. Due to her condition, everyone else diminished her and spoke ill, but Anahera was the outlier.

ROSEMARY (narrative)

"Since childhood, I've struggled to socialize... This was a problem for my family...

I was born into an affluent family, my father a prominent businessman and my mother renowned for her modeling career in her youth. They attracted attention and cameras, which meant my siblings and I were also in the spotlight.

My elder brother Amon pursued in our father's footsteps; he was smart and an exceptional athlete, having won several awards in swimming and archery before an accident resulted in an arm muscle injury, halting that path and leading him toward our father's legacy.

Then there was my sister Margaret, beautiful and walking in our mother's shoes, adding to it with her noteworthy acting in movies and television dramas. She was the face for numerous makeup and famous clothing brands.

They were perfect in my parents' eyes, but then there's me...

I'm the youngest sister, the one my parents regret having. I developed a severe case of autism that drove a wedge between my family and me, setting me apart from the media.

Throughout my life, this issue led them to hide me away. I struggle to communicate with almost anyone. I hardly speak unless I feel comfortable with someone. I'm always lost in my thoughts, struggling to understand people.

I've seen specialists, the best for autism, but none could do much. I've tried hard too...

High school was the same story... until one particular day...

...

4 YEARS AGO...

...

At 16, I started high school, finding it hard to fit in at first. I was sidelined, the subject of whispered conversations. Always alone, I yearned to be part of a small group to have conversations... to make friends... but even as I tried to reach out, they recoiled even more... not that I could have done much myself...

I gave up just a month in, abandoning the notion of pursuing friendships... until he arrived."

...

One cool afternoon, the classes proceeded as usual until a new student, accompanied by the teacher, walked into the room. "Good morning, everyone. I'd like to introduce your new classmate," announced the teacher, revealing a young man who drew everyone's attention. "Good day to you all. I'm Jaume Paxley! Pleased to meet all of you," he said, greeted warmly by his peers.

Rosemary glanced at him briefly; he noticed her immediately and waved with a smile. She was the first to greet him this way, which made Rosemary nervous yet excited, causing her to look away. "Alright, there are two seats available, so please take a seat," the teacher continued. One seat was amid a group of boys, the other beside Rosemary. She assumed he would sit in the first but was surprised to see him choose the seat next to her. "Hello, what's your name?" he inquired. She didn't answer, glancing down to focus elsewhere, and he respectfully gave her space.

He assumed she was shy, so he just smiled and turned his attention to the lesson...

Throughout that day, he watched out for her, trying to talk to her while she, unsure of what to do, fled.

He soon learned from other students about her autism, which didn't bother him at all; he kept trying to engage with her...

Weeks passed, and she began to trust him. Jaume welcomed her into his circle, so she even attended meetups with him despite others' disapproval.

It was apparent to everyone that Jaume had a fondness for Rose. Yet due to her condition, she was oblivious.

Within months, Jaume and Rose were dating, unexpectedly happy.

He treated her like a lady, sometimes like a queen, and on occasions, like a teddy bear—as he could be quite affectionate—something Rose, of course, cherished.

...

One morning, she left to meet with him. They were supposed to work on a project, so her backpack was filled. She arrived at their designated spot, a cafe in the heart of the city.

There she waited at a table, head down, until she felt hands cover her eyes. "Guess who!" Jaume exclaimed from behind her. She smiled and placed her hands on his, silently conveying "I know it's you." "I love you," he whispered, removing his hands to embrace her from behind, kissing her head warmly. "I... missed you..." she murmured, looking down. "Really? Join the club. I've missed you beyond words," said Jaume, pulling up a chair beside her.

Together they began their project amidst laughter and joy, with Jaume always ready to break the seriousness with humor and funny stories, clearly displaying his affection. He hugged her suddenly, bestowed kisses tenderly, showered her with affection, and always shared uplifting words that encouraged her... to keep moving forward...

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