For several weeks, someone had been leaving a red rose on the mat in front of my door. It seemed like a delicate, almost romantic gesture, and at first it touched me deeply. But gradually, a strange feeling started to appear. Day after day, there was only the rose—never a name, no message, no note.
Although I was married, my spouse had abandoned me for another lady twelve years prior. I frequently pondered whether he was the source of this enigmatic gesture. He had once attempted to return and start afresh, but I turned him down. I hadn’t heard from him since.
All I wanted was to live in harmony with my buddies, who had grown to be my true family. Everything was tranquil and peaceful until that mysterious rose appeared.
I eventually discovered a message tucked beneath the flower’s stem one morning. There were only a few words: “You’re not as alone as you think.” My heart started pounding as I read it. Was I being followed, or was this a joke?
There was no rose the following day, but I did spot an odd automobile parked across the street. Inside, a man was reading a newspaper. I felt a wave of fear. My house was being watched.
After discussing this matter with my closest friend, she recommended that I stay the night at her house so that we could work things out together. More by need than by choice, I agreed.
We were about to go to bed that night when there was a knock on the door. I crept over to peek through the peephole. What I witnessed was nearly unreal.
An unidentified man stood still behind the door.
When my friend asked him, he revealed his name was William.
He was a former classmate.
He clarified that he had always admired me and interpreted my presence at the library as a sign.
He had chosen to send me roses as a reminder that he existed.
William, the bashful lad who had given me a rose at our high school prom, came to mind.
I listened to his apologies despite being concerned by his actions.
I consented to see him again, in person, and without any more secrets.
There was a new relationship that began shortly after we met in a café.
