The next two weeks were peaceful for Maya and Leo. They settled into a comfortable routine. Leo would come over after work. They would cook dinner together and talk about their day. On weekends, they explored the city like tourists, visiting places they had never been before.
One Saturday, they decided to visit the botanical gardens. The weather was perfect—warm with a gentle breeze. They walked hand in hand among the colorful flowers and tall trees.
"It's beautiful here," Maya said, breathing in the sweet air.
"Not as beautiful as you," Leo said, smiling at her.
Maya laughed and playfully pushed his shoulder. "That was cheesy."
"But true," he said, pulling her closer.
They found a quiet spot under a large tree and sat down. Leo pulled a small box from his pocket.
"I have something for you," he said, his voice suddenly serious.
Maya's heart beat a little faster. "What is it?"
He handed her the box. Inside was a simple silver key.
"It's a key to my apartment," he said. "I want you to feel like it's your home too. You can come over anytime, even when I'm not there."
Maya looked at the key, then at Leo. She felt a rush of emotion. This was a big step. A sign of trust and commitment.
"Thank you," she said, her voice soft. "This means a lot to me."
She took the key and put it in her pocket. Then she leaned forward and kissed him. "I have something for you too," she said.
She took a key from her own bag and gave it to him. "Now we both have a home in each other's lives."
Leo's smile was bright and genuine. He held the key tightly in his hand. "I'll treasure this," he said.
That evening, they went back to Leo's apartment. For the first time, Maya used her new key to open the door. It felt strange but wonderful.
She looked around the apartment. It felt different now. It felt like a place where she belonged.
While Leo was in the kitchen making tea, Maya noticed a notebook on the coffee table. It was open to a page with her name written on it. Curious, she looked closer.
It was a list. At the top, it said "How to be better for Maya." Below were things like "Listen without interrupting," "Remember important dates," "Be patient," "Always be honest."
Maya felt tears in her eyes. Leo was really trying. He was working to be the person she deserved.
When he came back with the tea, she pointed to the notebook. "What's this?" she asked.
Leo looked embarrassed. "It's just some notes," he said. "Things I want to remember."
"It's beautiful," Maya said. "You're beautiful."
She hugged him tightly. In that moment, all her doubts disappeared. She knew she had made the right choice.
But as they sat together on the sofa, Maya's phone buzzed. It was a message from Sarah.
"Can we talk? It's important."
Maya felt a small knot of worry in her stomach. She hoped everything was okay.
---
Questions for you:
What do you think about exchanging keys? Is it too soon? What do you think Sarah wants to talk about?