But her body stayed tense, ready to run at any moment.
I walked over and picked up the ball, slowly approached the fence, crouched down to her eye level, and handed it to her.
Up close, I could see her features more clearly.
The shape of her eyes and brows... felt strangely familiar.
But I couldn't place who she reminded me of.
Maybe just a coincidence?
"Thank you, mister." She said politely, taking the ball and immediately stepping back.
That reaction... she'd been well-taught about being cautious with strangers.
"You're welcome," I said gently. "What's your name?"
She hesitated, clutching the ball tightly. "Sofia."
"Sofia, how old are you?"
"Five." Her answer was brief, eyes still guarded.
Five years old.
My heart suddenly skipped a beat.
Five years ago...
No, impossible. The world couldn't be that coincidental.
"I'm Alexander. I live next door. In case you ever need anything."
"Mr. Alexander." She repeated, frowning, seemingly memorizing the name. "Do you live alone?"
"Yes. You can call me Alex if you want, littleprincess."
She tilted her head, looking at me, and something like sympathy flashed in those brown eyes. "You must be very lonely."
Such an innocent comment, yet it hit me unexpectedly hard.
"Sometimes, yes," I admitted.
"Then..." she hesitated, "maybe I can come play with you sometimes? So you won't be so lonely."
Warmth spread through my chest.
"Thank you, sweetheart." Then I tried to make my voice sound casual. "If that's the case, shouldn't we get your mom's permission? Where's your mom? What's her name?"
But Sofia suddenly became alert, backing up a step.
"Mommy says not to tell strangers our names," she hugged the ball tighter. "And you've already asked a lot of questions."
When she said this, there was unease in her voice, as if she realized she'd said too much.
"Sorry," I immediately realized I'd been too eager. "You're right. I shouldn't have asked so much."
Sofia nodded, then turned to leave.
