Chapter 1 - EPISODE TWO: RICHARD.

Richard possessed a remarkable ability to adapt to new circumstances. New homes. New demands. Different aspects of his identity. He quickly learned to gauge the atmosphere and respond in kind. It was essentially a matter of survival—emotional nimbleness masquerading as sophistication. Then came Annabel, and everything became more complex. She was unlike anyone he had anticipated. She didn't seek validation through her actions. She never filled moments of quiet just to put others at ease. Annabel radiated a calm certainty, as if she had already defined herself and didn't feel the need to impress anyone. From their initial encounter, she maintained a certain distance—not cold, but deliberate. Richard appreciated that. Perhaps too much. He observed her in glimpses. The way she lingered over text as she turned pages. The manner in which she smiled at her own thoughts. The softness of her speech was firm yet unhurried. Her restraint carried a weight, and despite his usual self-possession, Richard felt himself drawn to it. Then, one evening, an epiphany struck him unexpectedly. They were seated apart on the couch, the television turned off, when Annabel chuckled at something amusing on her phone, her laughter fleeting and unguarded. In that moment, Richard sensed a shift—sharp and unmistakable. He quickly diverted his gaze. He recognised the boundaries. Understood the potential consequences. A misstep could lead to irreparable harm. Richard prided himself on many qualities, but recklessness was not one of them. And so, he reverted to his customary approach: he buried his feelings. He turned his focus elsewhere. Concentrated on academics. Engaged with friends. Avoided recognising how Annabel's presence anchored his thoughts. He became intentional with his physical space, cautious about closeness, and restrained with his emotions. Yet, fleeting moments continued to arise. Their discussions unexpectedly deepened. Time spent together stretched beyond initial plans. Occasionally, in the tranquillity, the impulse to express something sincere—something risky—emerged, but he stifled it completely. He contemplated whether she shared that sensation. The look in her eyes hinted that she might. Or maybe that was merely his own assumption. Richard had learned to be wary of hope, having seen its tendency to lead to disappointment. He opted for silence once more. Always.