A soft hum escaped Leo’s lips as he meticulously arranged the succulents on his windowsill. The setting sun cast long shadows across his small apartment, painting the room in hues of orange and violet. The gentle scent of damp earth and blooming jasmine filled the air. He had a deep, contented sigh, running a hand through his hair. This was his sanctuary, his place of stillness.
He heard a knock at the door, a tentative tap that broke the quiet. It was Sarah, his childhood companion, the girl who'd always known how to find the juiciest berries. "Leo?" she asked, her voice hesitant. "It's… it's me."
His smile widened. "Sarah! Come in. What a surprise!" He opened the door, a welcoming gesture.
She stepped inside, her gaze sweeping across the room. "I'm so sorry, but I think I have the wrong person. This isn't… familiar to me." She gestured around the apartment.
Confusion rippled through him. "You don't… remember?" He frowned.
"Remember what?" she asked.
The easy smile faded. He pointed to a worn photo album on the coffee table. "We used to spend all summer together, by the river. We built rafts."
She scanned the photos, her brow creasing in concentration. "I… I don't know any of these people. I apologize, I must have gotten the wrong address." She retreated, her apology clipped. The weight in his chest was suddenly heavy, the air suddenly still.