TRACY
It's been a rough week, and it's starting to spiral. Why can't I find my Romeo? I mean… he's my Romeo until I finally learn his real name.
Where did he go?
Every morning, I would stand by my window, gazing across at his building, hoping to find him there waiting, just like always. But no—his window has been shut for days.
Usually, by now, he would be there. Sitting by the window, pretending to read a book, yet always looking up the moment he sensed me watching. Sometimes he would smile, and I would giggle, pressing my fingertips against the glass as if that simple touch could somehow close the distance between us.
But it's been four days and four nights of stillness.
No flicker of light.
No shadow behind the curtains.
Only the endless stretch of brick and window frames, and the distant hum of the city moving on without us.
I stayed there longer than I should have, hoping he might suddenly appear—maybe he was just running late, maybe he'd lost track of time. But the window remained dark.
With a soft sigh, I rested my forehead against the glass, the chill seeping into my skin.
"Maybe tomorrow," I whispered to no one.
But I can't think straight.
I'm worried. I'm terrified. I just hope he's okay.
Maybe he traveled, I thought.
Or maybe he was one of the students who graduated last week and has gone back to his god-knows-where country.
But I thought he was new…
Then another thought struck me.
Or maybe… he's at his girlfriend's place.
Oh my gosh.
He has a girlfriend?
Why didn't I think of that?
I mean, he's charming—far too beautiful to be single, right? I must have been so foolish to think he could be mine when I don't even know his name… though I would have loved for him to be.
"Gosh, I'm so stupid," I muttered, lightly tapping my cheek in distress as I stepped away from the window to catch some air.
Why am I falling so deeply for a stranger?
It doesn't feel logical, yet I can't get him off my mind. It feels as though I've known him my whole life.
What should I do?
It's hard to simply forget him now that my days had started to feel meaningful. Without seeing him, this place is going to feel unbearably dull.
Maybe I should just accept Sonia's offer, I thought, remembering that I'll be graduating next month.
Maybe she's right.
Perhaps I don't need to be hung up on some mysterious student if I truly want to explore my life.
With that thought, I picked up my phone and dialed Sonia without hesitation.
I'm tired of living like this. I need a change—and I'm going for it.
The phone rang for a few seconds before she answered.
"Hey, baby girl. Good morning. How are you feeling today?"
"I feel so sluggish and weak," she groaned. "It's such a cozy morning, and I cannot get out of this bed."
"Why? What's wrong with you, girl?" I asked, immediately concerned.
"Come on, Tracy. Your school bubble has blinded you—you don't even know how the world is moving right now. Yesterday was Friday, and I went clubbing. I was missing Kelvin and wanted to catch a glimpse of him."
My curiosity spiked. "Did you see him? Did he see you?"
"Oh yeah, we definitely saw each other—and we vibed," she said with a playful laugh. "But that was it. He wanted more, like he always does, but I wasn't ready to give in. He needs to earn it, you know?"
I chuckled. "I feel you, girl. Sometimes it's smart to hold back, observe, and only go for what you truly want—if it's worth it. Take your time. I don't want you running back heartbroken again."
"Yeah, I get you. Thanks, babe." She paused. "But what's up with you? You sound down. Everything okay?"
The moment she asked, my shoulders dropped. A heavy breath slipped from my lips—slow, soft, and full of disappointment I couldn't quite swallow.
"Tracy, talk to me. You're getting me worried. What happened?" Sonia's voice softened.
"It's… Romeo," I said quietly.
"Romeo? Who's Romeo?"
"The guy I see through my window. I don't know his name, so I just call him Romeo."
"Okay, girl, what did he do?"
"He didn't do anything. That's the problem. He's been missing for days. I don't see him anymore. I just… I hope nothing happened to him."
Sonia burst into laughter.
"Girl, why are you this worked up over someone whose name you don't even know? All those times you were smiling and giggling at each other, you never thought to actually find out who he is?"
"No, Sonia, it's not that simple. His building is quite far from mine. When we try to talk, we can barely hear each other. So we just wave… smile… and that's it."
She laughed even harder.
"You two are unreal. What kind of love story is this? Are you living in the '80s where a man smiles at a woman and she gets pregnant?" she teased. "Come on, girl—you can do better. This is 2025. When you see someone you like, you find a way to get his number or at least his socials. That's exactly why I keep telling you to come live with me so I can help you evolve, Tracy."
I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself.
"You say that like I fell from the sky, Sonia. I know all those things. It's just… this situation is different."
"Okay, Miss Different," she shot back dramatically. "When are you finally accepting my offer to move in with me? You're taking forever."
I exhaled, then smiled softly.
"Girl… I'm coming. I don't have much reason to stay here anymore since my Romeo has disappeared. And honestly? This place is boring as hell."
"Oh my baby!" she squealed, nearly bursting my eardrum through the phone. "You have no idea how excited I am right now!"
I laughed. "I'm happy too, girl. And I'm sorry it took me this long to realize how much I need you in my life. Thank you for always being there. I love you."
"Aww, why are you getting all sweet on me?" she teased warmly. "You know I love you too—and I've always got you. Just pack your things and come over. It's our home now, and I cannot wait to have you here."
"Alright, baby girl. I'll catch up with you tomorrow. Bye."
After the call ended, a cozy sense of safety wrapped around me. For the first time in days, my chest felt lighter.
Knowing I had a permanent ally—a shoulder to lean on—changed something inside me.
My heart fluttered just a little faster, and suddenly everything felt more electrifying… like every corner of my new home would carry a spark of us.
To me, it isn't just moving into Sonia's place.
It's stepping into a shared home—where my things, my routines, and all my little quirks will finally have a space that fits… right alongside hers.