Carlin, USA
Esther Walker was twenty-seven when she moved into a new flat in Carlin, USA.
Everything was new to her — the place, the people, and even the atmosphere around her. It felt strange at first, but it was the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Esther is a physician and a highly intelligent woman. She has short black-blue hair and bright, sharp silver eyes that make her stand out wherever she goes. It has now been a year since she moved to Carlin, and she has become good friends with most of her neighbours — except one.
His name is Harry. He is twenty-five years old and works at a private company. He has messy black hair and brown eyes. For some reason, Esther and Harry do not get along well.
Esther's best friend is Edward Parks, who is thirty years old. He works at a café. Edward has black hair and black eyes. He has always supported Esther and is someone she trusts deeply.
The three of them live in the same building, and their apartments are close to each other.
One evening, Esther came home after work, tired and quiet. After taking a bath, she changed into comfortable clothes and sat down on the sofa. She was very hungry — but she was terrible at cooking.
It didn't take long before a delicious smell filled the air. The scent of chicken fry and noodles drifted into her apartment.
"Oh, Holy Virgin Mary… that smells so good," she said loudly without thinking.
The smell was coming from Harry's apartment. He was very good at cooking. Edward was good at cooking too.
The walls of the building were thin.
Both Ed and Harry heard her.
Edward paused for a second — and then burst out laughing.
"Oops… crap, I forgot," Esther murmured in embarrassment, covering her face.
"Do you want something to eat? Harry will cook for us," Edward called out loudly.
"Really? Then I'm in!" she replied without hesitation.
A few minutes later, the two of them walked over to Harry's apartment. Harry opened the door, clearly annoyed. His expression showed he had zero interest in hosting them, but he stepped aside anyway and let them in.
The three of them shared the chicken fry and noodles together, talking and laughing. It turned into a warm and happy moment.
But the worst part was — that happiness didn't last long.