Ava's POV.
Today started off like a dream.
For the first time in what felt like forever, I woke up to the sound of my alarm, no moaning, no wild noises interrupting my sleep, Just… peace. I laid on my bed for a moment, soaking in the unfamiliar silence.
No sex last night? I mused, half-joking. Did he finally hurt himself from overdoing it? Or better yet… did he finally move out?
Curiosity got the better of me. I crawled toward the wall that separates my apartment from his and pressed my ear against it, straining to hear any sign of life.
Nothing. Just silence.
I sat on the floor like a detective searching for clues in a crime scene, trying to find some explanation. Something was off. He's never this quiet. Even on his "off days," he finds new ways to ruin mine; loud music, obnoxious laughing, weird random noise at 2 a.m.
What's going on?
"Oh well," I shrugged. "Not my business."
I got up and headed to the bathroom. The cold water rushed over my skin, washing away the remnants of restless nights. Each drop felt like a reward. I couldn't tell what I enjoyed more, the feel of the cool water or the blissful silence that filled every corner of my apartment.
After my shower, I walked into my dressing room and picked out a neatly ironed shirt and skirt combo. I laid them on the bed and grabbed my hair dryer, staring blankly at my reflection in the mirror as I ran it through my damp hair.
I couldn't help but drift into thoughts.
Who am I even supposed to be anymore?
I didn't recognize the girl staring back at me. Not really. Ever since the incident, I'd been on autopilot, surviving, not living. Each day was just another box to check off. And ever since I lost him… even breathing felt like a chore.
I shook the thought away.
Time to rock this day, I told myself, forcing a smile. I got up and danced a little happy dance to change my mood. I used my hair dryer as a microphone and sang a little song while also dancing.
I glanced at the time on my phone. It was 7:30 am.
"Oops I'm running late." I said as I turned off the dryer.
I got dressed, grabbed my bag, and headed out. I had a car. well, a birthday present from my parents but unfortunately, I still hadn't learned how to drive. I kept telling myself I'd find time to learn, but time was the one thing I never seemed to have. So, as usual, I took a taxi to work.
Today felt different though. I wasn't sleep deprived,I wasn't on edge, I was well-rested, energized. What could possibly go wrong?
I arrived at the office and made my way to my desk. I glanced at the office next door, Mr. Ethan's, but it was still empty.
"Hey Ava," a familiar, cheerful voice called.
I looked up to see Anna standing there, her smile as bright as ever.
"Hi Anna," I replied, returning the smile.
"You look cheerful and full of life." She said cheerfully and her eyes filled up with excitement, " Don't tell me you got a boyfriend and didn't tell me? How could you?!"
I laughed. "Pretty sure it's the opposite. People with boyfriends don't look this refreshed."
"That's actually so true," she said, chuckling.
"I finally got a good night's sleep," I said, stretching dramatically. "My sex-addict neighbor must've broken his dick or something because last night was peaceful. No moaning, no banging, no chaos." I said a little bit too excitedly.
Anna raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh that's nice….No wonder your so happy and energized. But I think you should maybe check on him? You know, just to make sure he's okay?"
"Uhm… yeah, no thanks. I'd rather not," I said with a shrug.
She laughed. "Fair enough."
"But one of my friend had a very noisy neighbour like yours and one day he was suddenly quite and it turned out that he actually had a stroke and passed out on the floor. Luckily they got to him on time," Anna said .
"Ohh…. Will it be wrong for me to wish that he actually had a stroke?" I joked
Anne let out a huge laugh
"Oh, by the way," she added, glancing at Ethan's office. "It's past noon and Mr. Ethan hasn't shown up. Do you know where he is?"
I shook my head. "No idea. I'm sure he's fine, though."
"It's just weird. He's never this late."
"Anyways I should better get to work before he comes." Anne said
Anna eventually left, and I returned to work. But her words echoed in my mind, Hope he actually didn't have a stroke and passed out.
Hours passed. Still no sign of Mr. Ethan.
By closing time, I couldn't ignore the unease creeping in.
Maybe something is wrong.
When I got home, I showered again and threw on something comfy. Still silence from next door. No music. No TV. No moaning. Just eerie, unnatural quiet.
"Alright," I muttered to myself. " I'm just going to check, Not because I care but because I'm a good neighbor,A responsible citizen making sure someone didn't die mid-thrust."
I walked to his apartment, knocked on the door. no answer.
I hesitated.
Then I tried the handle.
To my surprise, it turned, and the door creaked open.
His apartment was… stunning. Clean, elegant, minimalistic. White furniture, spotless floors, and everything in its exact place. It looked like a catalog photo. Who knew Mr. Moans-a-lot was a neat freak?
I stepped inside cautiously, calling out, "Hello?"
Nothing.
Then I heard it. the faint sound of running water coming from the bedroom.
Oh God, please don't be dead in there.
I walked toward the bedroom door, pushed it open slowly, and….
My breath caught.
There he was. My eyes widened in horror
There he was, My neighbor, Standing under the soft spray of his shower.
Stark naked.
And staring right at me.
And just like that, the peaceful day ended… with one very naked surprise.