The next morning began calmly for Feriha. She had finally slept better, waking up with a strange lightness she couldn't explain.
After breakfast, she sat on her bed scrolling through her phone ; until she noticed the notification. 📳
A missed call.
From Eric.
Her heart skipped.
She checked the time. 1:47 AM.
"Why would he call me that late…?" she whispered. 😯
Just then, her phone buzzed again ; a message from him.
"Are you awake?"
Feriha hesitated before typing back:
"Just saw your call. Everything okay?" 🤔
His reply came quickly.
"Can we meet? I'm near your place."
Her breath hitched.
She changed into a simple hoodie, tied her hair, and stepped outside. The cool night breeze brushed her cheeks as she walked toward the front gate.
Eric stood there.
Hands in pockets. Eyes tired. Shoulders tense. As if something had been weighing on him all night.
"Eric… what happened?" 😐
He looked at her for a moment, struggling to find the right words.
"I couldn't sleep," he finally admitted. "Every time I closed my eyes, I kept thinking about yesterday… about us… about what I'm afraid to lose."
Feriha's heart softened instantly.
"You didn't have to come all the way here for that."
"I did," he said quietly. "Because sometimes… when something matters… you don't wait till morning."
She didn't know how to respond.
A car passed by, its headlights momentarily illuminating them. Eric stepped closer. Not too close ; just enough that she could feel the warmth of him.
"Feriha, I don't want to rush you," he said. "But I need you to know… you're not just someone I like being around. You're someone I care about. A lot."
Her breath hitched. The words she always wanted to hear ; now hanging in the cold night air.
"Eric…" she whispered. 😶
But before she could decide whether to confess back, a loud voice echoed from inside her house ; her sister calling her name.
Feriha froze. 😬
Eric gave a small, understanding smile. "Go. It's okay. We'll talk later."
She nodded reluctantly. "Goodnight, Eric."
"Goodnight, Feriha." 🌛
She stepped inside. Closed the door. Leaned against it.
Heart racing.
Hands trembling.
A smile she couldn't stop.
For the first time, she felt like something beautiful was finally beginning. 😊