Nia moves in with Evan
1111 Words
Nia stood outside Evan's house, clutching a small suitcase containing her belongings. The recent events made her sad, but finding solace in the fact that her best friend had opened his doors during this challenging time brought her immeasurable comfort.
Taking a deep breath, Nia turned the doorknob and stepped into Evan's warm and inviting home. She paused for a moment to absorb her surroundings—a cozy living room adorned with plush furniture, walls adorned with captivating artwork that whispered stories of distant lands, and soft lighting that cast a warm glow, creating an ambiance of peace and quiet. It was a stark contrast to the chaos and uncertainty she had recently experienced in her own life.
Just as Nia entered, Evan emerged from the kitchen with a welcoming smile. His eyes sparkled with genuine affection as he approached her, his outstretched arms ready to provide solace in a tight, comforting hug.
"Nia, welcome home," Evan greeted her with warmth in his voice. "I'm so glad you're here. I couldn't bear the thought of you facing all this alone."
Evan refrained from the hug, guiding her into the living room with a beaming smile. His eyes glimmered with anticipation as he asked, "So, what do you think of the place?"
"It's stunning, Evan." Nia's voice carried a mixture of awe and gratitude. Her gaze wandered around the room, taking in the intricate details and harmonious design. "I had no idea you had transformed it so well since the last time I visited."
Evan's smile widened, genuine pride radiating from him. He gracefully took her suitcase from her. "Let me show you to your room," he offered, leading her down the hallway with confidence.
"Thank you," Nia expressed her appreciation as she followed him, her footsteps echoing in the spacious hallways. As they walked, Nia's attention was caught by a captivating painting hanging on the wall. Intrigued, she approached it and ran her fingers over the textured canvas, reveling in the sensation of the artist's strokes that brought the image to life. It depicted a lone wolf basking in the glow of the moon.
Nia's voice filled with adoration as she whispered, "This painting is breathtaking."
Evan shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, that old thing? It was a gift from my uncle on my last birthday. You know how much he loves paintings."
"It's more than just 'nice'," Nia insisted, her tone conveying a deep appreciation. "You're truly fortunate to have such pieces in your home."
Curiosity sparked within Evan's eyes as he inquired, "Why do you say that?"
Nia's voice turned wistful, her words tinged with a hint of sadness. "You have a loving family, unwavering support, and financial stability. Some of us, like me, don’t have any of that."
Squeezing her hand gently, Evan understood the pain and longing that lingered within Nia's heart. "I'm sorry you had to endure such hardships, Nia."
Tears welled up in Nia's eyes, emotions swirling within her. All the pent-up frustration and grief over the past months overflowed, a torrent of vulnerability. Evan instinctively pulled her into a tender embrace, offering a safe harbor for her tears.
"Let it all out, Nia. I'm here for you," Evan whispered, his voice filled with compassion. "You don't have to face this alone."
Nia's tears streamed down her face, her sobs shaking her fragile frame. The weight of her struggles—accusations, job loss, and the loss of her home—crashed upon her like a relentless storm. Evan held her gently.
"It's okay, Nia. I won't let you bear this burden alone," Evan assured her, his voice filled with determination.
Gratefulness infused Nia's voice as she mustered her words. "Thank you, Evan. I can't express how much your friendship means to me."
Settling onto the comfortable couch in the room Nia was settling into, she took a moment to gather her thoughts before finally speaking up.
"Evan, I still can't believe what happened at my job. Being falsely accused of embezzlement, losing my job—it has been a nightmare," Nia confessed, her voice tinged with sadness and frustration.
Evan reached out, gently squeezing her hand. "Nia, you know I'll always be here for you. We'll navigate through this together. And don't worry about a thing—stay here for as long as you need. This place is your sanctuary now."
Tears of gratitude welled up in Nia's eyes once again, rendering her speechless. She felt the weight of her burdens gradually lifting as Evan's unwavering support enveloped her.
"Thank you, Evan," Nia whispered, her voice brimming with sincerity. "I don't know what I did to deserve a friend like you."
A genuine warmth radiated from Evan's smile, his eyes reflecting a deep bond forged through shared experiences. "Nia, you don't need to do anything to deserve it.
“Thank you so much” Nia said once more.
“That’s good, just tell me anything you need.”
“Enough about me, tell me about those girls you’re always bringing here” Nia said trying to tease him.
“Girls?” Evan looked at her weirdly. “You know I have no one.”
“Really?”
“Yes Nia. I’m too focused on work to have time for silly things like relationships.”
“Or you’re just boring?” Nia teased.
He shrugged. “Maybe.”
“So what’s for dinner? I’m really hungry”
“Mac and cheese?”
Nia grinned. “Oh you know me so well. Bring it on.”
“Alright then, off to the kitchen we go,” Evan said and helped Nia up.
They went into the kitchen and began to prep for their meals, Nia heard a notification from her phone and checked it, it was Maya. She would have to tell her she had moved in with Evan for now.
“So what about you?” Evan asked and broke the silence between them.
“What’s that?” Nia asked confused about what he meant.
“Are you seeing anyone?”
Nia paused for a while before answering his question. “No, I’m not.”
She knew she had to be careful with Evan on this subject, he had tried severally to ask her out but she had refused over and over because she wasn’t interested in him. She loved the way things were between them.
“Why are you still single, is there no one–“ the sound of Evans phone disrupted his questioning. He checked the caller id and quickly excused himself. Nia found it strange that Evan was picking calls behind her back.
What’s going on? She thought. Was Evan keeping secrets from her?
- Writer
