A FAMILIAR STRANGER

Olivia tied the small shoes on her son Oscar’s feet, her fingers lingering for af moment longer than necessary. He wiggled impatiently, humming a tune she didn’t, but it didn’t bother her. Her eyes drifted toward the small backpack resting against the chair, the same one Adam had once packed for their morning walks to college. The memories came unbidden. Adam’s laugh as he teased her, the soft way he had called her name in the quiet mornings, the gentle warmth of his hand brushing against hers. Olivia swallowed hard, trying to shove the thoughts away. Not today, she told herself. Today is for him, not the past. Noah tugged at her sleeve. “Mommy, hurry! I’ll be late!” She smiled, forcing cheerfulness she didn’t fully feel. “Almost done, sweetie. Let’s get that backpack on.” As she helped him sling it over his shoulders, she felt the familiar ache of absence tighten in her chest. Each small motion—fastening a strap, tying a knot—reminded her of Adam, of a life she had lost but never truly left behind. By the time they stepped outside, the morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp pavement and fresh grass. Olivia buckled Oscar into the car seat and exhaled, trying to focus on the mundane—traffic, school drop-off—but her mind wandered again, lingering on Adam’s voice whispering Her phone buzzed suddenly, breaking her reverie. She glanced at the screen: Rose. Her heart skipped a beat, and a small smile tugged at her lips. “Olive! I miss home so much! I’m coming back. I miss mum and dad!” Rose’s voice was bright, full of excitement. Olivia felt a warmth spread through her chest. “That’s wonderful, Rose, Olivia said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I can’t wait to see you, it's been a long time darling.” The anticipation lingered in the car as she drove. “Mummy am late for school”, Oscar said will a pout while straightening his school uniform Olivia smiled as she hangs up, facing her son “almost there baby” she rolled her eyes Olivia dropped oscar off at home “be careful darling” Olivia yelled when she saw Oscar running to the school gate, she smiles, her eyes lingered at her son's back she he disappeared “Time for work” she said to herself Little did she know, the day ahead would bring an unexpected shock, one that would stir emotions she thought had long settled Olivia stepped into her office at the fashion hub, the hum of sewing machines and chatter greeting her as she closed the door behind her She set her bag down on the corner desk and glanced at the sketches pinned to the corkboard above. Pastel shades, bold patterns, and carefully drawn lines stared back at her. Even in her grief, she had created something tangible, something she could call her own. This was for her son, for Oscar, for the life she was determined to live despite the emptiness Adam had left behind. “Adam if only you were here right now “ she smiles while tears brimmed in her eyes, “have achieved a lot since you left” Her eyes became unfocused, staring at nothing, as memories from seven years ago came rushing back like a tidal wave. FLASH BACK Oliva was on her way home after classes late in the evening enjoying the cool breeze, she got uncomfortable when he noticed three guys following her from behind whispering incoherently She shrieked as one of the guys grabbed her “we've been calling you b***h, wanna have some fun” he said while holding her forearm aggressively “Let me go you f*****g asshole” she said with resilience in her eyes hiding the fear within them, while still struggling The second guy stepped forward touching her face , he smirked as he held her face” i like my girls fiesty” he licked his dark lips as he made an attempt to touch her “Back off” a voice was heard bit far away “Who the hell is this kid?” the first guy asked with annoyance ready to fight The second guy goes to confront the figure wearing a face mask The figure moves forward, tripping the man with a precise movement. The other guys hesitated, then scattered, muttering threats. He turned to Olivia. “Are you okay?” Olivia stared at him, his dark silver eyes examining her body for any possible bruises, breathless, her pulse still racing. Something about his presence made the fear dissolve, replaced by awe and… curiosity. She nodded slowly. “I—I think so. Thank you.” He smiled softly “ you are welcome”. “What's your name?” Olivia asked as she blushed uncontrollably “ My name is Adam” he replied while staring into her dark brown eyes “You should go home it's getting very late” he said afterwards while looking around the area. “My name is Olivia Clarke” Olivia told him while she held his back as he carried her on his bicycle After that day, they began spending more time together. Adam was always careful, always masked in public, yet in private, he was gentle, funny, and completely himself. They wandered the city streets, drank coffee at quiet cafés, shared secrets, and slowly, Olivia felt her heart opening in ways she hadn’t imagined. Olivia's giggles filled the atmosphere of Adam's room as he tickled Olivia “Stop ady” she laughs uncontrollably “ Admit i cook better than you” he said while smiling mischievously at her state “No way, i ain't admitting that” she squirmed in his arms playfully Raising both his hands up, he said “you win lily,you cook better”. They settled down while watching a movie in a comfortable silence “ Babe i want to talk to you about something” adam said after pausing the movie “I will be going to Rome, I was given a scholarship to study fashion design over there”. I didn't know what to say when he told me the news i was feeling a rollercoaster of emotions “that's a good….. news i guess” I smiled weakly He stared at me trying to gauge my reaction as he continued “ i will be leaving next week it came unexpectedly it has always been my dream to study in rome babe” he said with emotions I stared trying to hold my tears i wasn't expecting things to turn this way, i wanna be happy for him , but my heart is in pain “What about me ady?” i whispered weakly He chuckled which confused me a little “ I will come back sooner than you expect” Shivers runs down my body as he touched my face “ i wanna get married to you lily before i leave for rome” , I was stunned when i heard him “Are you sure about this?”. I Watched as he stared at me lovingly “yes lily” I stood up abruptly “ am late for class ady” I said as i move towards the door, “ be careful today love” i he said as he winked at me playfully, i blush profusely as i left his room. The days that followed moved quickly, almost too quickly. Between classes, deadlines, and unfinished conversations, life carried them forward before Olivia could fully name what unsettled her. The wedding happened quietly. A week later, suitcases replaced flowers. Adam left first, Rome waiting with its promises and distance, and Olivia watched him go with a smile that didn’t quite reach her chest. She believed they were beginning something beautiful, even as a small, unspoken doubt followed them both onto different paths. The television murmured in the background as Olivia folded her notes, half-listening, half-thinking about the message Adam promised to send when he landed. The anchor’s voice suddenly sharpened. “…a developing story this afternoon. A flight en route to Rome has lost contact midair—” Olivia froze. She lifted her head slowly, her breath caught somewhere in her chest. “authorities have confirmed that the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. There are no confirmed survivors at this time.” Her books slipped from her lap. “No,” she whispered, shaking her head. “That’s not… that can’t be his flight.” Her phone was already in her hand. One call. No answer. Another. Still nothing. Her friend Catherine rushed in from the kitchen. “Olivia? What’s wrong?” “They said Rome,” she breathed, eyes fixed on the screen with tears brimming in her eyes. “They said Rome.” The silence that followed was heavy, final. When the anchor repeated the report, her legs gave way, and she sank onto the couch, pressing her hand over her mouth as a soundless sob tore through her chest. The accident came without warning, violent and final, leaving Olivia suspended between disbelief and grief. In the quiet days that followed, reality settled in pieces the funeral, the unanswered questions, the loneliness that no comfort could fully ease. It was only weeks later she discovered she was pregnant, a truth that deepened her fear and grief in equal measure. While her friend stayed close, offering steady reassurance when the nights felt unbearable, her family’s disappointment was harder to endure, heavy with judgment and silence. Still, Olivia returned to school, carrying both shame and determination, choosing survival over surrender as she forced herself to keep moving forward. Olivia blinked, her grip tightening around the edge of her desk as the sounds of the fashion hub rushed back to her.