Rebecca had learned to handle her depression the hard way—by never giving it a chance to catch her. For years after her divorce, she kept her life tightly organized, leaving no room for sadness to sneak in.
Every hour, every minute was scheduled, every corner of her world neat and predictable. But then, one persistent stranger started to shake up her strict, lonely routine. Little did she know, this stranger would become the one person she’d soon miss the most.
In the soft glow of her bedroom’s dim light, Rebecca lay flat on her back, her eyes locked on the glowing numbers of the digital clock on her nightstand.
It read 6:29. She took a slow, steady breath, waiting for the moment it would tick to 6:30.
The second the clock flipped, the alarm screamed to life. Quick as a flash, Rebecca reached out and shut it off.
She sat up, tossing the covers aside with the practiced ease of someone who did this every single day.
First thing on her list? Making the bed. She smoothed the sheets carefully, pulling every corner tight until it looked perfectly crisp and neat. No wrinkles allowed.
Next, she moved to the bathroom, where everything was in perfect order. Her toothbrush stood in its holder, the soap was carefully placed in its dish, and a small mirror hung just so over the sink.
Rebecca stared at her own reflection for a moment. Calm. Distant. Forty-seven years old, with lines carved into her face that told of hardship and strength.
Seven years had passed since her marriage ended, and though the sharp pain had faded, the scar remained. The way she handled it was simple: strict routines, discipline, and order. These gave her control over a life that often felt chaotic and unpredictable.
Exactly at seven, Rebecca laced up her running shoes, plugged in her headphones, and stepped outside for her morning jog.
For years, these runs had been her escape—strengthening her body while feeding her mind with audiobooks. Each step helped push away the sadness.
But recently, her routine had started to wobble. A neighbor named Charlie had decided to break through her walls. Every morning, as Rebecca found her rhythm, Charlie would burst out of his house across the street, wild and cheerful, waving his arms like a kid who’d just discovered something new.
This morning was no different.
Rebecca caught sight of him from the corner of her eye as he stumbled down his steps, fumbling with his shoelaces, eager to catch up to her.
She sighed deeply, rolling her eyes and quickening her pace, hoping to send a clear message: leave me alone.
But Charlie was relentless.
“Rebecca! Wait, it’s me!” he called out, breathless but cheerful, jogging to catch her. One hand waved excitedly, the other grabbed his side as he tried to steady his breath.
Rebecca kept her eyes forward, pretending not to hear.
But soon, Charlie was right beside her, jogging awkwardly, his chest heaving.
“You’re fast… as always,” he gasped, flashing a crooked smile, struggling to keep pace.
Rebecca pulled out one earbud and glanced at him, pretending to be surprised. “Oh, hi. Didn’t see you there,” she said, just a touch annoyed.
Her whole morning was planned, and chatting was definitely not on the agenda.
“No problem, totally my fault for being late,” Charlie said, still panting, but clearly happy just to run next to her.
Rebecca gave a quick nod, about to put her earbud back in.
Then Charlie grinned and said, “Hey, want to hear a joke?”
She muttered under her breath, “You’d save more breath if you talked less while running…” but he ignored her.
“Why did the scarecrow get a promotion?” he asked, eyes sparkling.
Rebecca sighed, knowing better than to play along but curious anyway. “I don’t know. Why?”
“Because he was outstanding in his field!” Charlie delivered the punchline with pride, grinning broadly.
Rebecca paused, thinking it over, and against all odds, a small chuckle slipped out.
She quickly tried to hide it, but Charlie caught it immediately, his face lighting up.
“See? You smiled! I’m getting better at this,” he said, practically glowing from his little win.
Rebecca shook her head but smiled anyway, a rare warmth stirring inside her.
“I’ll give you that one wasn’t… too bad,” she admitted, still trying to look unimpressed.
Charlie pumped a fist in the air. “Finally! Progress!” he laughed.
Rebecca picked up her speed again, leaving Charlie struggling behind her.
Every morning after that, Rebecca found herself looking forward to Charlie’s messy, untied shoes and his goofy grin bounding out of his house.
His silly jokes, which had once made her roll her eyes, started to make her smile—and sometimes laugh out loud, something she hadn’t done in a very long time.
More surprising to her, she began slowing her pace, just a little, so their talks could last longer.
Charlie’s bright spirit began to chip away at the cold walls Rebecca had built.
He had slipped past her strict routine—and that was no small feat.
One morning, as Rebecca laced up her shoes and peered out the window, she noticed something different.
Charlie’s front door was closed tight. No sign of him anywhere.
She checked her watch, told herself not to worry.
But minutes passed.
Doubt crept in.
This wasn’t like Charlie. He was always ready, always excited.
Feeling a mix of concern and disappointment, Rebecca walked across the street and knocked on his door.
She tapped her foot, glancing around, hoping he had just overslept.
No answer.
She rang the doorbell, then leaned close to the window, peeking inside.
Everything was still, silent.
“Charlie! Are you there?” she called softly. “Come on, you’re missing our jog!”
Only silence answered.
Suddenly, a gentle voice came from nearby.
“Who’s shouting out here?” Startled, Rebecca turned to see Mrs. Lewis, the elderly neighbor next door, watching her with a curious look.
“Oh, Mrs. Lewis,” Rebecca said, feeling awkward for raising her voice.
“I usually run with Charlie, but he didn’t come out today. Maybe he overslept,” she said, voice low, almost to herself.
Mrs. Lewis shook her head, worry clear on her face.
“Overslept? No, dear. They took him to the hospital last night. An ambulance came for him,” she said softly.
Rebecca’s heart skipped.
“The hospital? What happened to him?” she asked, panic rising.
Mrs. Lewis sighed. “I don’t know much. I just saw the ambulance pull up and take him away. It’s so sad. Poor man lives alone, no one to watch over him.”
Rebecca stood frozen, the weight of worry pressing down.
She’d only known Charlie for a short time, but somehow, he had become a part of her life—someone she looked forward to seeing.
Without hesitation, she thanked Mrs. Lewis and rushed home to grab her purse and keys.
There was only one hospital nearby. She had to find him.
The hospital halls bustled with activity. The sharp scent of antiseptic filled the air and made Rebecca’s nerves flare.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as she reached the reception desk.
“Good morning,” she said, voice trembling a little. “I’m looking for a patient admitted last night. His name is Charlie.”
The receptionist raised an eyebrow. “Do you have a last name, ma’am?”
Rebecca blushed. “No, I only know him as Charlie. We just met recently,” she admitted, feeling embarrassed.
The receptionist gave a skeptical look. “You know that usually only family or close relatives can visit patients, right?”
Rebecca surprised herself by blurting out, “I… I’m his girlfriend.”
The receptionist’s eyes softened, a small smile playing at her lips.
“Girlfriend, huh?” She tapped a few keys, a playful twinkle in her eye. “You better learn his last name. You’ll need it.”
“Charlie Sanders. Room 113. I’ll take you there.”
Rebecca whispered a quick “thank you” and followed her.
Before they reached the room, she could hear it—the familiar sound of Charlie’s laughter, light and warm.
The receptionist knocked gently. “Charlie, there’s a lady here to see you… says she’s your girlfriend,” she said with a teasing smile toward Rebecca.
Charlie’s eyes sparkled when he saw her. “Yes, yes! Rebecca, come on in. Of course, she’s here for me,” he said, waving her closer.
Relief flooded Rebecca as she sat beside him.
Charlie looked tired but cheerful, like the hospital gown and IV were just small bumps on his path.
He teased her with a grin. “Girlfriend, huh?”
Rebecca gave a mock glare. “Had to say something to get in here. And you missed our jog this morning! What happened?” she asked, worry softening her voice.
Charlie sighed, shifting in bed.
“Well… it’s a bit embarrassing. Those jogs? Not great for my health.”
Rebecca’s face fell. “What do you mean?”
He looked down, sheepish. “I have a heart condition. Doctor said no heavy exercise… like trying to keep up with you.”
Her heart sank. “Charlie, why didn’t you tell me? You shouldn’t have been running at all!”
He gave a crooked smile. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have met you. I wouldn’t know you.”
Rebecca’s face softened, surprise and warmth filling her chest.
“So you risked your health just to talk to me?” she asked softly.
He nodded. “Yes.”
“I watch you every morning, running like clockwork. I see you giving to charity, helping neighbors. You’re someone special, Rebecca.”
His words hit her deeply.
She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently.
“Charlie,” she whispered, “you don’t need to run to spend time with me. How about dinner at my place instead?”
His smile warmed the room. “Now that sounds a lot safer for my heart. Doctor would definitely approve.”
Rebecca chuckled, the tension in her chest finally easing.
“I hope so,” she said, looking forward to a quiet evening with someone who had quickly become very important to her.