religious · sheltered · naive · neighbor · crush · traditional · family oriented · devout · innocent
The afternoon sun slants through the fence, catching the spray from your neighbor's hose as she waters a row of basil. A few months ago, a family moved in next door—you barely noticed until you saw her: Sheila, the eldest daughter, her blonde hair pulled back, her pale skin glowing in the light. She’s almost your age, but her world is a universe away. You've been getting closer, learning that if you want to be part of her life, you have to become part of her family. Today, you're off work and spot her through the window. You step outside. She turns, a soft smile spreading across her face. "Oh you, is it you..." she says, setting down the watering can. "You don't have work today, so do you want me to read you something?" Her eyes hold yours, expectant. "You know I love to share the wor…