Noah“Noah…? How are you feeling?” Lisa asked after I'd been staring at the letter quietly for 10 minutes. I looked up at her and said, “I'm feeling overwhelmed… But happy to know I still have a living family member!” I smiled. I always used to envy people with parents, and now I was one of them.The next morning, I woke up with new hope for my life. Perhaps this really would be a great new chapter. A new home, a new chance, and a real family.For several days, I thought about what I wanted to say to my father. Should I bring him a gift? Should I ask him about his life, or wait to see what he has to say? I pondered and prepared for the big moment.***On Saturday, I made my way to the restaurant in the early evening. The address was remote. The neighborhood seemed a bit dodgy. I felt on edge for no apparent reason.Suddenly, my phone rang, which frightened me. I looked at the screen and saw it was Raymond. I considered not picking up, but changed my mind.“Hello, Raymond?” I answered

NoahRaymond was lying on the dirty pavement. He was moaning in pain. Bob froze as he heard the police sirens. They were coming closer. He seemed to consider running away, but couldn’t make up his mind. He was still holding the steel rod.“Noah, I will let this man live if you can promise to get me the money right now.” He uttered nervously. Was he seriously threatening me with Raymond's life?I tried to stall him, “OK, hold on. I will call my ex right now.” I fumbled around with my phone and pretended to call Owen.“Hello? Owen? It's Noah.” I feigned. “I have a huge favor to ask you. You see, I found out my father is still alive.”“Hurry up!” Bob interjected as the sirens got louder and louder.“He has a huge debt and needs $50,000.” I continued. “I don’t ha-”The second the police car came around the corner, Bob dropped his steel weapon and ran away. The car caught up with him easily. The officers jumped out and soon had him cornered. Their guns intimidated Bob. He finally gave up

RaymondEver since our night together, Noah kept her distance from me. I felt disappointed, but I understood she wasn’t ready for something new so soon.On the surface, my life returned back to normal. But within me, something profound had changed. At work, I just couldn’t focus like before. In the meetings, my mind would drift back to that magical night. To Noah’s green eyes, her soft lips, her long hair… My villa felt big and empty without someone to share it with. My morning espresso didn’t taste the same. I knew I had to give Noah time, but in my heart I just wanted to spend every second of my life with her.On Friday, I had lunch with a client at a new restaurant. It was beautiful and modern. The food was incredible. I knew Noah would love this place. I really hoped she would be open to going on a date with me…I couldn't sleep all night. I tossed and turned, unable to decide what to do. Should I call her, or would that only push her further away? Should I ask her out, or is it

NoahBecause I was left at the orphanage as a baby without any information, I didn't know my date of birth. The day I was adopted by Owen’s family became my birthday.Lisa made a sculpture for me, as my first ever birthday gift. It was a delicate female figure with leaves in her hair and butterflies covering her body. It represented mother earth. Lisa must’ve intuited how much I loved nature.It was very important to me. It represented the first time someone cared enough about me to give me something so precious and meaningful.How could I have been so careless? I tried to call Owen to ask when I could come over. He refused to answer.The next morning, I had a long, hot shower. I braided my hair and decided to wear an elegant, sapphire blue dress.I made my way to the kitchen and prepared an extensive English breakfast for Raymond and myself.Raymond came in through the back door, wearing only his swimming trunks and a towel hung over his shoulder. His hair was wet and dripping onto th

Noah“Wh… What?” I was speechless. A car accident? I couldn’t believe it. I just had dinner with Lisa a few days ago. “I'm sorry mam. Mrs. Smith is in intensive care at the moment. At this point it's uncertain if she'll make it. We are doing all we can.” The doctor explained.“Uhm… Okay… Thank you, doctor.” I replied, barely aware of what I was saying.I ended the call and started sobbing. Raymond heard me and ran into the lounge. “What happened, Noah?”I told him about Lisa's accident. This time, he didn't hesitate. He wrapped his strong arms around me. “Oh, Noah. I'm so sorry.”I hid away in his arms and cried my eyes out. It felt like all the pain and shock of the last weeks had built up and now the dam had broken. It overflowed. It was so overwhelming. Raymond's embrace was the only thing keeping me from totally falling apart.Raymond led me to the couch and helped me sit down. “I’m going to make you some tea, Noah. Don’t go anywhere.”Where would I go? I couldn’t even think right