The Fence Between Us

Episode 12: Just One Night

A small party was held in the backyard of the coordination center — a chance for the volunteer teachers and UN peacekeepers to unwind after the first few days of work.

Fairy lights were strung along the trees, casting a warm golden glow on everyone’s faces. The whole place felt like a cozy garden bar in the middle of the city, intimate and quietly sparkling.

Grande pulled me toward the buffet table.

— “Have you eaten yet? I heard there’s grilled meat and banana cake!”

I laughed.

— “I’ve eaten, looked, and breathed enough to feel full.”

I drank a glass of red wine — then another. It wasn’t strong, but it was warm and soothing. My tolerance wasn’t great; even a bit made me feel dizzy. Music floated through the air, soft melodies brushing through my hair and sleeves. A little lightheaded. A little hazy.

— “Leyla! I’m off to play ring dancing with that group!”

Grande waved as she slipped away with a bunch of young teachers.

I leaned against a wooden post, eyes half-closed. Everything spun just slightly — not enough to call it drunk, but not quite sober either. The ocean breeze blew gently, carrying a hint of salt.

— “Are you alright?”

I opened my eyes. Mathis stood there, holding a cup of water. His face was the same, but his gaze had softened — no longer the silent boy from eight years ago, but a man who had traveled far, lived through many lives.

I nodded slowly.

— “Just… a bit tired.”

— “You should get some rest. Want me to walk you back?”

I was going to say no, but my legs were already wobbly, so I just nodded again.

Mathis gently took my arm. His palm was warm. He didn’t say anything more as we walked slowly side by side, our footsteps mingling with the distant sound of the waves.

When we reached the room, he helped me inside. I sat down on the edge of the bed and looked up at him.

— “Mathis…”

I called his name, my voice softer than usual. I wasn’t sure if it was the wine or the storm inside me.

He paused, eyes slightly puzzled.

— “What is it?”

I gently tugged on his sleeve, head lowered.

— “You brought me back… and you’re leaving just like that?”

Mathis looked at me, confused for a second. Then he stepped a little closer, voice softer:

— “Is Miss Leyla being clingy right now?”

My face flushed, and I turned away.

— “No… it’s just… I can’t sleep when I feel alone.”

He exhaled quietly, a faint smile playing at his lips.

— “Leyla’s changed a lot…”

— “Changed how?”

I asked, still not looking directly at him.

— “You say things now that make people not want to leave.”

His voice was low, calm — like the ocean wind at night.

I didn’t reply. I just gently pulled at his shirt again.

Mathis lifted his hand and softly ruffled my hair before stepping back slightly. His voice remained gentle:

— “Sleep early. We’ve got a long day tomorrow.”

I nodded faintly and let go of his sleeve.

— “Then… see you tomorrow.”

— “Yeah. See you tomorrow.”

He turned and walked away, while my mind spun and blurred. I wasn’t even sure when sleep finally took me.