Silent Goodbye ( FL's POV)

I'm grace, a 16 years old girl who's life is so simple and predictable...after my evening tuition I often go to my dad's store..He's a professor but he also runs a store where he does all the online businesses, printing and some other works...It was a routine, one I had grown used to.But then Asher came into my life. He was older, quiet, and focused on his work.. We never really talked but that day when dad went out for a walk we talked... for the first time!! He was kinda late, but I didn’t think so much about that and started doing my homeworks.. he came and sat on his sit,his eyes scanning the room before they landed on me. He hesitated for a moment before speaking...

"hey where's your dad?" he asked.. I was kinda surprised by the question... We had never really had a full conversation before, and I didn't know what to say at first. But I answered anyway, trying to sound casual..."He's out for a little walk I guess..he'll be back soon "..." Oh.. okay... I’ve seen him here every time I come by. It’s weird not seeing him around." Asher nodded slowly, his gaze still on me...I shrugged off and started doing my homework again.."Must get lonely here when he’s not around, huh?" Asher asked, his voice quiet but sincere...I wasn’t sure how to answer. I wasn’t used to people asking me personal questions, especially someone like Asher. But for some reason, I felt comfortable enough to share...."Not really...I'm actually used to this now..It's not that bad for me " I replied, glancing down at my homework....Asher looked thoughtful for a moment, then shrugged. "I guess it’s good that you don’t mind being on your own. I mean... I work here most evenings too, and it’s quiet, but it’s not really lonely."

His words hung in the air for a moment, and for the first time, I felt like maybe Asher wasn’t just some quiet stranger who worked here. Maybe, just maybe, we had something in common. But before I could dwell on the thought, my dad walked in, and the moment passed.....

As the days passed, I began to notice that our conversations became more frequent. Every time my dad went for his walk, Asher and I would talk. It started off small—simple questions, casual observations. But gradually, the conversations became more personal, and I found myself looking forward to them, even if it was just a few minutes of talking about random things...Like one time when dad went out... Asher and I was working on our works, he told me to pass some papers which was beside me so I passed it after taking it he told me to give him my hand..I became confused and asked "Why?".. He said.... " Just give it" after saying he paused, looking at me curiously, before holding his hand out in front of me

I hesitated for a moment, but before I could stop myself, I placed my hand in his. He gently measured it, his fingers lightly brushing against my skin as he compared our hands. The contact felt strange, but not uncomfortable. It was almost as if the moment stretched out for a little while...His gaze met mine briefly, and I felt my cheeks flush. His hand was warm, his grip steady but careful... "Looks like you’ve got a lot of growing to do, You're so skinny too try to eat more kiddo"... he said with a small smile. I nodded, feeling the heat of his touch still lingering on my hand even after he pulled it away. For a second, I couldn’t speak. It was a simple gesture, but it left me feeling… different...

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