Saturday came, and I woke up earlier than usual. It was still dark outside, but I couldn’t go back to sleep. My chest felt restless, my mind too full. I decided to change into my joggers and step out for a run. The streets were quiet, only a few lights from the lampposts.
The air was cool, brushing against my skin, and for a while, the steady rhythm of my feet on the pavement was enough to calm me.
I turned a corner, and that was when I saw Mateo. He was also jogging, his shirt damp from sweat, his pace steady until he slowed down at the sight of me.
“Atasha?” he said, slightly surprised.
I nodded, catching my breath. “Good morning, sir.”
He smiled politely. “Didn’t expect to see you here. You jog often?”
“Not really,” I admitted. “Just… wanted to clear my head.”
“You live around h
