The week passed quickly for Maya. She saw Leo almost every day. They went for walks, tried new restaurants, and spent quiet evenings at her apartment watching movies. It felt like old times, but better. They talked more now. They listened to each other.
On Friday, Leo invited Maya to his place for dinner. He wanted to cook for her. Maya felt a little nervous as she got ready. She had not been to his apartment before. This felt like a big step.
When she arrived, Leo welcomed her with a hug. His apartment was neat and simple. There were books on the shelves and a few plants by the window. On the wall, she saw a photo of them from years ago. It surprised her.
"You kept that?" she asked, pointing at the picture.
"Of course," he said. "I never took it down."
He cooked her favorite meal—pasta with garlic and olive oil. They sat at his small table and ate. The food was good. The company was better.
After dinner, they cleaned up together. Then they sat on the sofa with cups of tea.
"I have something to tell you," Leo said. His voice was serious.
Maya felt a little worried. "What is it?"
"I have to go away for work next week," he said. "Just for three days. A meeting in Chicago."
Maya relaxed. "Oh. That's okay."
"But it made me think," he continued. "About last time. About how I left without really talking to you. I don't want to make that mistake again."
He took her hand. "So I want to ask you properly. Is it okay if I go? I know it's short notice. And I know we're just starting again."
Maya felt tears in her eyes. This was different. The old Leo would have just told her he was going. This Leo was asking her.
"Of course it's okay," she said. "It's your work. And it's only three days."
"Thank you," he said. "And I'll call you every day. I promise."
The next few days were busy for Leo. But he kept his promise. He called Maya every evening. They talked about their days. It felt good. It felt safe.
But on the second day he was away, something happened. Maya was having lunch with Sarah.
"So things are good with Leo?" Sarah asked.
"Yes," Maya said. "Really good. He's different now. More open."
"That's great," Sarah said. But she looked a little worried.
"What is it?" Maya asked.
"Nothing," Sarah said. "I just... I want you to be careful. I don't want you to get hurt again."
Later that day, Maya was at home when her phone buzzed. It was a message from an unknown number.
The message said: "You should ask Leo about his friend Lisa. They work together in Chicago."
Maya's heart dropped. Who was Lisa? Why was someone sending her this?
She tried to call Leo, but his phone was off. He was probably in his meeting.
She felt sick. All her old fears came rushing back. Was Leo the same person? Was he lying to her?
She didn't know what to do. Should she believe the message? Or should she trust Leo?
That night, when Leo called, Maya tried to act normal. But he could tell something was wrong.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"I'm fine," she said. "Just tired."
They talked for a few minutes, but Maya was quiet. She didn't mention the message.
After they hung up, she looked at the unknown number again. She thought about replying. But what would she say?
She decided to wait. She would talk to Leo when he got back. She would ask him directly.
But the doubt was there now. Like a small crack in glass. She didn't know if it would heal or get bigger.
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Questions for you:
What would you do if you got a message like that? Would you wait to talk in person, or call right away? Do you think Maya should trust Leo?