The Fence Between Us

Episode 7: A Meeting, But Not a Reunion

— “Are you alright?”

His voice came from behind, deep and calm like the morning sea breeze. Not warm, not cold — just polite enough for a stranger.

I turned and nodded slightly.

— “I’m fine. Thank you.”

My eyes accidentally met his — the eyes I once memorized in every dream of my seventeen-year-old self. Still the same deep blue, the same composed gaze… But of course, he didn’t recognize me. How could he? I was just a girl who once walked quietly behind him throughout high school. A name never called. A glance never returned.

— “You’re one of the new volunteer teachers?”

He asked, still in that steady tone, polite eyes with no hint of memory.

I nodded.

— “Yes. I’m Leyla. This is my first time on the island.”

— “I’m Mathis. If you need anything… just reach out to me or the command post.”

A standard sentence. Nothing more, nothing less. Nothing special — except that name, spoken in the voice I once wished so badly to hear just once.

I forced a smile and replied politely.

— “Thank you. I will.”

We stood there, a few steps apart, in a moment that felt long — as long as the years I once spent waiting for him to return to the village.

— “Leyla!”

Grande called from a distance.

— “Come on! You don’t want to miss the view!”

I turned away, walked quickly, not daring to look back.

But my heart let out a silent sigh.

I once thought that if I got to see him again, something special would happen.

But it turns out… not every meeting is truly a reunion.