The Fence Between Us

I liked you. Just like that. Quietly. Gently. Without anyone ever knowing. Back then, I was in 11th grade, and you were a senior in class 12A1 — the top science class that everyone admired. You were tall, with deep blue eyes that drew people in, always quiet. Always buttoned to the top. Walked with purpose. There was something about you that felt... distant. Untouchable. Lots of girls liked you, me too. You were really into sports. Every time I looked out the classroom window, I’d see you playing basketball with your classmates. I once overheard someone say your dream was to join the military, to serve and protect the country. That stuck with me. I didn’t know much about you. Only that your name was Mathis Davis — the son of a retired officer who lived at the end of the dirt road behind the village. Every morning, I left the house early on purpose — just to quietly walk behind you for a little while. I used to hope that maybe, one day, you’d turn around, smile, and ask: "What class are you in?" But of course… that never happened. At school assemblies, I always saw you standing in the front row of the senior line — serious, eyes focused, your posture calm and steady… like someone already used to a world much bigger than our little high school. Once, I dropped my notebook near your class. When I bent down to pick it up, you happened to walk by… and quietly knelt to help me. Just one second. But I lived in that second for the rest of the year. I didn’t know you were my neighbor. Our houses were only separated by a white wooden fence — yours hidden behind tall trees, mine tucked behind a garden of wildflowers. Willow Creek is small like that. And yet, you and I… never once met outside of school. I once thought about writing you a letter. But I didn’t. Because I knew — girls like me… don’t belong in the world of boys like you. Hii, I’m the author of this story 🤍 I hope this little story touches your heart —if it does, pls leave a heart , comment, or just… keep reading 💌 Love u all. Let’s fall in love with Mathis together hehe 🫶