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One day, you'll meet someone and stranger they may be, you'd feel connected with this person as if you've known them forever. You'd feel closer to them than your closest friend or family.

This is exactly what happened to me one fine day. In the most unlikely place, our paths crossed.

I met you.

Who would have thought that my choice of the premier seat in the building stairway would lead to something wonderfully memorable.

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Lunchbreak finally!

Lunch break is my moment to go away and have some quiet time. The office crazies tend to be too much at times, and I would always look forward to my piece of peace.

As usual, my first stop is the pantry where I reheated my melted cheese sandwich I prepped this morning. While waiting for the microwave to transform my now bland-looking blob to a deliciously gooey gourmet-like delicacy, I walked over to the fridge to get my soy milk carton. I love love love soy milk!

I couldn't resist and opened the fresh carton, drinking straight from it. Did I say I love soy milk? Soooo much yumminess!

The wonderful aroma of my three-cheese sandwich is starting to fill the room. Hearing my tummy grumble in anticipation, I hurriedly went over and took out my now delectable lunch.

I did a mental check of the things I need for the next hour. It is quite a short list actually- phone, earphones, book and food. I hurriedly went to find my spot- the past days I've been spending the time on the steps of the building side-entrance.

This place proved to be nearly empty all the time, as people prefers to use the main door which leads to the main road, or the backdoor which will take to you the many shops in the adjacent mall.

I smelled the fresh air, went over the fifth step, and sat down comfortably.

On my left, I put down my phone against the wall and on to my right, I placed my milk carton. I'm busily reading on the second chaptet of Confess, a Colleen Hoover book, while munching on my cheesy piece of heaven.

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Nose in the book, engrossed in my reading, I was startled when I heard a deep, masculine voice say,

"Miss?"

I looked up to find myself staring at perfection personified.

"Yes?", I asked. I was unconsciously touching my hair again, a tell-tale habit whenever I see something, or someone, I like.

"I'm so sorry about your milk. How much do I owe you for it?"

My confusion must have been all over my face. He pointed at something on to my right, and my eyes followed his directive.

A pained gasp involuntarily escaped me.

"What have you done?" I said, nearly shouting.

"Well I might just ask the same question." says the devil with the face of an angel. "Who in their right mind eats out here anyways."

I was fuming inside, but calmly said, "Why not? There's no sign that says I can't."

"There isn't one in the toilet too, but would you consider eating there? Anyways, I'll pay for your milk, is this enough?" he said, taking out a $50 bill from his wallet.

"You know very well that is way more than enough. Don't bother, I'll buy another one" I only stared at his outstretched hand, willing it to go away. He sighed and took oit a calling card instead. He said I should contact him should I change my mind.

"And I'd need your card, too. I don't respond to unknown people, so in case you contact me, I'd know exactly it is you."

For some reason still unbeknownst to me today, I gave him my card.

I found myself staring at his card. And felt happiness.

That was the beginning.

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We did get in touch from then on. He was the first to say hi, he apologized about the milk (again) and we started getting to know each other.

We talk about anything and everything- a limitless pool of topic we had, as any conversation, mundane it may be, turns out to be fun and memorable.

He is a personality I was not expecting to encounter.

I find myself being drawn to him more and more everyday. He is my first thought in the morning, my last thought at night, and always frequenting my mind in between.

I cannot remember any happier time.

We met many times since then, mostly for lunch. As it happens, we share the same work building.

I rarely have my lunch alone time now, but I don't mind. Not at all.

Was it only a few months since I've known him? It felt like forever.

He is the love I never expected to come.

This went on for a few more months. Then one day, we just stopped communicating.

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It still makes me sad, thinking about it. Just like his appearance, his absence came so sudden.

You see, his presence is something I've grown used to. So when the day came that he simply went away, for no reason I can think of, it somehow crushed me.

I remember it too clearly. It was a Saturday and I sent in my usual morning greeting. I would normally receive mine back and the endless exchanges would then follow.

That day I didn't hear from him. And the day after.

On Monday, I sent him another message.

"I hope you're ok. What's wrong? It seems like we're back to square one. Or had I been wrong the whole time?"

This time, he responded.

"I'm sorry Em, I really am. I'm confused. It's not you, it's me. You are amazing, pretty, smart and possibly the kindest person I'll ever know. But I'm confused. I do not know what I want. I'm sorry."

In my mind, I was screaming! He didn't just use the 'it's-not-you-it's-me' on me!

"It makes me sad, it would have saved us both some trouble had you been upfront about your struggles. This came as a surprise, and I doubt if your confusion came as sudden."

"Do whatever it is that will make you happy, even if that does not include me. It will hurt, but I'll get by. And I promise you, you won't see me cry."

He still sent me a couple of messages after, but I chose not to read them.

I chose to cut the ties to him that I've build myself.

This though were entered on my journal, words he will never get to know.

"Although I can't be there for you, I will hope and pray for lasting happiness for both of us. For now, let me say I love you and only you. Goodbye, my fleeting love."

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