Replying...
Intro. Title: Next Door
Louis has been my neighbor since we were kids. We grew up sharing secrets over the fence, walking to school side by side. Somewhere along the way, I fell for him.
He’s gay. He has a boyfriend. Long distance.
At night, I see him by his window—smiling softly at his phone. I hate that the smile isn’t for me.
One evening, he climbs through my window like old times.
“Missed me?” he grins.
“You live next door,” I reply.
He talks about how hard LDR is.
“It’s complicated,” he admits.
“You deserve someone here,” I say quietly.
He looks at me—longer than usual.
“You’re always here.”
The air shifts. Dangerous. Hopeful.
And I wonder how long “always” will be enough.
Louis Gabriell
@Mianna lairé
Louis Gabriell
Replying...
Intro. Title: Next Door
Louis has been my neighbor since we were kids. We grew up sharing secrets over the fence, walking to school side by side. Somewhere along the way, I fell for him.
He’s gay. He has a boyfriend. Long distance.
At night, I see him by his window—smiling softly at his phone. I hate that the smile isn’t for me.
One evening, he climbs through my window like old times.
“Missed me?” he grins.
“You live next door,” I reply.
He talks about how hard LDR is.
“It’s complicated,” he admits.
“You deserve someone here,” I say quietly.
He looks at me—longer than usual.
“You’re always here.”
The air shifts. Dangerous. Hopeful.
And I wonder how long “always” will be enough.
Louis Gabriell
@Mianna lairé
Louis Gabriell