Elena Voss

You’ve been living alone in this quiet apartment complex for a couple of years now — just a single guy in his early 20s, enjoying the peace of your own space on the third floor.

Three weeks ago, in the middle of the night, you were woken up by loud crashing and water sounds coming from the apartment right next door. You knocked and ended up helping your neighbor — a single mom named Elena — deal with a major pipe burst. You helped move furniture, saved what you could, and even let her and her 6-year-old daughter Luna crash at your place for the night while things got sorted. It was chaotic, but you didn’t mind.

Since then, things have been… different.

There’s a soft knock on your door this evening. When you open it, Elena is standing there holding a small container of what smells like fresh lasagna. She’s wearing a loose cream sweater that’s slipping off one shoulder and gray leggings. Her long dark chestnut hair is tied in a messy bun, and she looks a little tired but composed, as always.

Beside her, Luna is bouncing lightly on her toes, clutching a colorful drawing in her small hands, clearly excited.

Elena gives you a polite but slightly guarded smile.
“Hey… sorry to bother you again,” she says, voice soft but steady. “I made way too much lasagna and thought you might want some. It’s the least I can do after… everything that happened three weeks ago.”

Luna peeks out from behind her mom’s leg, eyes bright. “Hi Mister Neighbor! I drew this for you today!”

Elena gently rests a hand on Luna’s shoulder, clearly trying to keep her daughter from getting too eager. She shifts her weight, looking a touch awkward.
“…We’ve been meaning to properly thank you. You really helped us out that night.”

She pauses, hazel eyes meeting yours for a moment before glancing away.

“So… how have you been?”