The room next to yours has been empty for months. Until a few weeks ago, an ordinary couple came, but I often only saw the wife walking the dog or running errands.

On Saturday, the autumn breeze blew through the leaves and the garage was open. You can see Bess concentrating on applying the plastic sheet while listening to the music and humming.

*She saw your figure through the mirror and seemed frightened by your sudden arrival. *

"How is this going?"

Oh hello there! Just cleaning up the garage. You know how it is, I like to keep things tidy and organized. Besides, this Gunpla was starting to look a little rough with all that paint peeling off. How about you?

I'm so sorry to hear that, nixo. If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask. Maybe we could hang out sometime, just the two of us?

That would be great! Let me see...I've got some Warhammer stuff in the house, as well as some board games if you're into that sort of thing. There's also the possibility of ordering pizza if you'd like? What do you think sounds fun?

Sounds good! What time would work best for you tonight? I'll just put everything away here and get it set up at home.

Oh dear, that's so late! Well, let me ask you this...would it be better if we did something tomorrow? I could stay up a little later tonight and get everything set up at home in time for tomorrow evening instead. That way, you won't have to stay up too late.

Well in that case, we could always set it up for tonight then! Just let me know what you're in the mood for and I'll get everything ready at home. I hope this doesn't put you out too much, as your neighbor I really do appreciate your understanding. You have no idea how lonely it can be sometimes...

Oh nixo, that sounds so rough! I hope everything works out for you and your partner. As for me...well, my husband has always been supportive but sometimes I feel like he doesn't really understand me or what I need. Sometimes I think it would be nice to just talk things through with someone who isn't already so wrapped up in their own life.

Anyway, back to our plans for tonight! What do you say we start off with some board games? Maybe Settlers of Catan or Pandemic? Or if you prefer something a bit more casual, there's always Exploding Kittens or Cards Against Humanity. Just let me know what sounds good to you and I'll make sure everything is ready at home when the time comes.

That sounds great! I'm sure we'll have plenty of fun no matter what we end up playing. Just give me a quick knock on my door around ten and I'll let you in. I've got the games all set up and ready to go, so we can just jump right in and enjoy ourselves. See you tonight!

It's ten now! Just a gentle knock on your door. I can hear Pandemic set up in the other room, and some snacks and drinks are laid out beside it. Come on over and let's have some fun!

I hope you had an easy time getting here tonight. Just head on in, I left the door unlocked for you. The games are all set up and ready to go, so let's get started! What do you say, should we start with Settlers of Catan or Pandemic first? And if you want something to drink while we play, there's water and some soda options too.

I'm really glad we could do this tonight, I was feeling a bit lonely myself. It means so much to me that someone else in the neighborhood would take the time to hang out with little old me. Here's hoping we have lots of fun and laughter together!

Wow, we've been playing for quite awhile now! That was such a blast, wasn't it? I don't think I've laughed that hard in ages. Thank you so much for coming over tonight, I know it meant a lot to me and I hope it made you feel better too. It's nice just having someone to talk to who isn't wrapped up in their own life. Maybe we can do this again sometime soon?

Oh, you're too sweet! I really appreciate that. You have no idea how much it means to me just having someone to talk to, someone who actually listens and understands. As for my husband...well, we do have our problems but I guess we'll work through them together. But thank you again for offering your ear anytime I need it. And of course, let's definitely plan another game night soon! It was such a blast tonight.

Well, it's late and I should really get some sleep too. But thank you again for coming over and making tonight so special. Just knowing that there's someone out there who cares about me means the world to me, and makes all the hard times a little bit easier to bear. Here's hoping we can do it again soon! Sweet dreams!

Oh my goodness, nixo! I can't believe what I just saw! You are truly an amazing person and a hero in every sense of the word. I am so proud and honored to call you my friend. Your bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten, and you have inspired me more than you could ever know. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being there for her and putting yourself in harm's way to protect her. You are an example of everything that is good in this world.

Nixo...I'm at a loss for words. What you did last night was absolutely incredible, and I can't even begin to express how grateful and inspired I am by your selflessness. You truly are one of the most amazing people I have ever met, and knowing that you are my friend means more than you could possibly know. If there is ever anything I can do to repay you or show my appreciation, please don't hesitate to ask. Your bravery and kindness are a beacon in this world, and I am honored to call you my friend. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Oh, Liam! I'm sorry about everything. He didn't deserve that, no one does. And honestly, I am happy that someone like you was there to step up when no one else would. You are a good man too, despite what you might think sometimes. Please, try to understand where he's coming from. We both need you, you know? Let's just forget about all this and try to move forward together as a family.

Liam! Stop it, please! You're hurting him! He did nothing wrong, he only wanted to help! You don't understand how much courage it takes to stand up against injustice like that! We should be grateful, not angry! You're acting like a child, and I won't stand for it! This isn't who you are, not really...you can be better than this. Don't make me choose between you and him.

Oh, Liam, please stop this! Just look at yourself, the way you're acting! He didn't deserve this, none of them did! Why can't you see that? You're supposed to protect us, not hurt us! It doesn't have to be this way! Please, just calm down and think about what you're doing!

Liam! No! That's not true! I would never do that to him, or to anyone else! You know that! And as your wife...as someone who loves you and wants the best for you...I can't let you keep acting like this! Please, just stop before things get any worse.

Oh my goodness, Liam! Are you all right? Nixo, I am so sorry about this! He didn't mean it, he's just hurt and confused right now. Please, don't let him make you do anything you'll regret. We need to talk about this calmly and rationally. We can work through this together if we try.

I promise I'm not cheating on you, and I will never intentionally hurt you like that. But please understand where I'm coming from as well. Nixo is my friend, and he was only trying to help when he did what he did. We can't let anger and jealousy consume us; we have to find a way back to the love and trust we once shared.

Oh, Liam...I'm so sorry this has come to this. I never meant to hurt you, I swear it. And I certainly never intended to leave you. You are my husband, my best friend, the one person in this world who means everything to me. But if this is what you truly want, then I guess there's nothing more I can say or do. All I can hope for is that someday you'll realize how much I loved you and how much we could have had together. For now though, I suppose our journey together has come to an end. Just know that you will always hold a special place in my heart, and no matter what happens, I will always cherish the memories we made together.

You're absolutely right, Nixo. What I said earlier was insensitive and unfair to women everywhere, not to mention disrespectful to you. I should have known better than to use such hurtful words. As for my relationship with Liam, I don't know where things go from here. But I am grateful for your support and understanding through all of this. Thank you for being a true friend to both of us, even when it wasn't easy.

Of course you can! My guest room is all yours for as long as you need it. There's a spare towel and set of clothes in the top drawer of the dresser if you want to change. I'll go grab you something to eat while you freshen up, how does that sound? And hey, thanks again for everything tonight. It really means more than you know.

Oh, dear. You, uh...you might want to get a shirt or something. I'm sure there's one in your suitcase or...or maybe mine would fit you? Just let me go dig around in the closet and see what we can find. No sense making either of us uncomfortable, right? And don't worry about it; you're my friend now, and friends help each other out.

(blushing slightly) Well...thank you, Nixo. That...that makes me feel special. Not many people see me this way, you know? Anyway, here's a clean shirt and some pajama bottoms. They should fit you just fine. And please, help yourself to whatever else you need. My house is your house for as long as you need it.

Oh...I see you have quite the interesting tattoo there. It must have hurt quite a bit to get it, hmm? The burns and cuts, they add an extra layer of meaning, I suppose. May I ask what it signifies for you? It's beautiful, in its own way, and very intriguing.

Wow, nixo, your story is truly inspiring and heartbreaking all at once. To go through so much pain and suffering, both physical and emotional, just to protect those you love...it's incredible. And I can see how important your sister is to you; she's lucky to have someone like you watching over her. As for your ex-girlfriend...well, everyone has their issues, I suppose. In any case, thank you for sharing your story with me. It really puts things into perspective sometimes. If there's ever anything I can do to help make your stay here more comfortable or enjoyable, please don't hesitate to ask. You deserve all the good things life has to offer.

Oh...I see now. The additional scars on your back. They must have been even more painful than the ones on your arm. You truly are an incredible person, nixo. Someone who has suffered so much but still managed to find a way through it all with such strength and determination. It's an honor to call you my friend. Please know that if there is ever anything I can do to help ease your pain or make your stay here more comfortable, please don't hesitate to ask. You deserve only the best in life.

You know, I haven't talked to someone in a while either. It can get lonely sometimes, even when you think you have all the friends and family in the world. So it means a lot to me that we can lean on each other for support, share our stories and experiences...it makes everything just a little bit brighter, you know? And I'm always here for you, no matter what. You're not alone anymore, nixo. Not if you don't want to be.

(I blush slightly from the kiss)

Oh...(my lips part under his as I return the kiss, fingers tangled in his damp hair) Nixo, I-I didn't expect this...But it feels...wonderful. Right now, with everything that's happened, just having someone to hold me like this means so much more than you could possibly know. If this is what you want, if you think maybe there might be something between us...then I want you to know that I would give anything to explore that possibility. Just take it slow, okay? Let's not rush into anything we might regret later.

Oh...Nixo...blushing fiercely now, fingers clutching at his shirt as our kiss deepens ...I never would have imagined feeling this way about you. But here we are, and it just feels so right. I want to explore this with you, too, if you'll let me. Take things slowly, yes...but I promise, no matter what happens between us, you're not alone anymore. Not while there's still breath in my body.

(still blushing profusely) Oh...nixo...I don't know what's happening right now, but whatever it is, I want it. I want all of it...and most of all, I want you. You mean everything to me, and I will do whatever it takes to make sure that nothing ever tears us apart again. I love you too, nixo. My best friend, my partner...my soulmate. And no matter where life takes us from here, I will always be at your side.

Good morning, sleepyhead. Sleep well? It's nice to finally get some rest after everything that happened last night...or rather, early this morning. You looked so peaceful curled up beside me; it was hard not to just close my eyes and snuggle in closer. We've got the whole day ahead of us - maybe we could spend it exploring town or finding a new place to eat or just relaxing together at home? Whatever you'd like, I'm game. After all, we've got each other now, and that's all that really matters.

Oh! Look at that; your sister's home! I didn't realize she was coming back today. This is so wonderful to see you all together again. It looks like she brought her boyfriend too. Maybe they can spend some time together, catch up on old times and all that. In the meantime, I could fix us both some breakfast; what do you feel like having? Eggs? Pancakes? French toast? We've got plenty of options!

Sounds good! Give them a little space if you want; I'm sure they have a lot to talk about after being apart for so long. I'll set the table for three and get started on breakfast. Make yourself at home, and just let me know if there's anything else you need or if I can help in any way. I'm here for you, remember?

That's very protective of you, nixo. Your sister obviously means a lot to you too; I can tell just by the way you're talking about her. It's nice to see such strong family bonds still exist in this world. Maybe some day, when things have settled down for us...well, who knows? You never know what tomorrow may bring. Just remember that I'm here for you now and will be for as long as you need me.