Episode 3

I was very tired when I got home. I took a long shower and made instant noodles. The night was clear because of the moon, so I looked out the window.

From the balcony of my apartment, I had a view of the central square, neighboring buildings, and straight ahead, past the square, a small open space, showing the sky.

...

Suddenly, the most romantic scene I had ever seen unfolded before me when, none other than; Alan Serrane parked in front of the building. He was wearing a teal shirt and black dress pants. In his hands, a bouquet of red roses.

Theo Urione: Wow!? What is he doing here at this hour of the morning?

My curiosity couldn't be contained. I stretched to see, but I didn't know where he was going; I only knew that he had entered my building.

Theo Urione: Those flowers... Of course, he must have a girlfriend. A man like him wouldn't be alone.

Just as I thought about going out and snooping around the corridors, I saw him coming back to his car.

Theo Urione: What, already!?

Alan got back in the car, but without the bouquet in his hands.

Theo Urione: Leaving so soon, handsome? Who was that bouquet for? Tell me.

Without the answers I wanted, I went to sleep, eagerly awaiting the day of my appointment with Dr. Serrane. Maybe I could see a wedding picture on a picture frame.

||

During the morning of the appointment, I experienced several signs that should have alerted me that things were not going to go well.

After a black cat crossed the street, I took a shortcut in the alley and passed under a staircase, which immediately made me bump into and knock someone down.

...

Denny Camara: Are you ever going to get off of me?

Theo Urione: Oh, yes. I'm sorry.

Denny Camara: Are you blind or something?

Theo Urione: Partially, in one eye.

Denny Camara: Are you kidding me?

Theo Urione: No! It's true.

Denny Camara: Right, whatever! Just get off of me, man!

Theo Urione: I was already doing that. It's just that my leg is messed up.

Denny Camara: Blind and crippled? You shouldn't even be out on the street!

Theo Urione: I would choose not to leave the house, but you know how it is, we have to work and all, and...

I looked at him, the tennis player Denny Camara. He had a handsome face, but I smelled cigarettes on him, and that disappointed me.

Theo Urione: Wow! You smoke? Why do you smoke if you're an athlete?

Denny Camara: Look, man, mind your own business! Get out of here, freak!

He continued walking, and after standing still for a few seconds, I decided to pull myself together and continue on my way as well. But I felt like slapping him, I really did, for ruining an athlete's body like that.

I finally entered the office.

Alan Serrane: Hello, Theo! How are you feeling?

Theo Urione: Very well, and now happier than I was this morning.

Alan Serrane: I'm glad you're happy. And how was the first week of the diet I gave you?

Theo Urione: What did you say?

Alan Serrane looked at me smiling, with those beautiful white teeth of his.

Alan Serrane: You forgot about the diet?

Theo Urione: Oh my god!? You won't believe I actually forgot? You know, I even had a lot of salad yesterday, but at the end of the day, it was a sandwich that ended up sustaining me. But, that's because it was the only place open near my house where I could buy anything to eat.

Alan Serrane: I see. But you can't repeat this forgetfulness this week, okay? And now, I'm going to give you a walking exercise.

Theo Urione: Walking!? I don't want to do that one. Don't you have another one?

Alan Serrane: Why? What's wrong with walking?

Theo Urione: I feel bad... You know, people stare at me. That's when they don't ask me if I've been like this since I was born.

Alan Serrane: Theo, you have to get over this. You're strong, and you're still young. You can recover, you can improve this condition. But, you need to take the initiative. I really want to help you.

Theo Urione: I appreciate it. But even so, it's very difficult.

Alan Serrane: Tell you what, let's walk together. What do you think?

At that moment, my jaw dropped. He actually invited me to walk with him!? Even after thinking for a few seconds, I came back to my senses and accepted the offer.

Theo Urione: I think it's a wonderful idea. It's... Because you would be giving me a head start. Thank you so much!

Alan Serrane: So let's start today. Shall we?

Theo Urione: Now?

Alan Serrane: Yes, let's go.

||

That man, Alan Serrane, was completely wonderful from head to toe, inside and out. I was completely smitten with his charm and kindness. I enjoyed the afternoon walking beside him, and when it was over, he gave me a ride home.

||

Alan's car pulled up and we got out.

Alan Serrane: How nice! You live here too.

Theo Urione: Yes. Would you like to come in and have a coffee or... some water?

Alan Serrane: Maybe next time, I have a meeting to go to later.

As we said goodbye, Alan looked directly behind me and took a step forward.

Alan Serrane: Denny!

Denny Camara: Oh, you again!? Stop bothering me!

Alan completely forgot about me, a few steps away.

Alan Serrane: Denny wait! Did you... Did you get my note?

Denny Camara: The note!? Along with that hideous bouquet?

Alan Serrane: Hideous!? You... You didn't like it?

Denny Camara: Of course not! What a load of crap! And besides, I hate roses! Now if you'll excuse me!

Denny continued on his way, leaving Alan heartbroken, just standing there watching him.

Alan Serrane: Denny! Please, at least have dinner with me! Is that too much to ask!? Look, I promise I'll never contact you again. Just accept one dinner.

Denny Camara: You promise!? You'll never show your face in front of me again? Okay, maybe.

Alan Serrane: Yes! I'm so glad.

Denny Camara: I'll think about it, and when I decide on the day, I'll let you know.

||

ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ The scene was exactly that; my guy was courting my neighbor. And it was for him, for Denny Camara, that that beautiful bouquet was intended.

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