Mike a neighbour

The sharp buzz of Leo’s morning alarm cut through the quiet apartment, signaling the start of their first full day. Leo, got up and showered, dressed in a neatly pressed button-down, brushed his hair first then with his hand slightly messed it up, then nervously adjusted his glasses as he checked his laptop bag for his IT job for his first day in work. Maya sat up in bed, a soft halo of ginger hair framing her face, and beamed at him warmly. After a quick, affectionate kiss on the cheek and a sweet reminder for her not to strain herself with the heavy boxes, Leo hurried out the door. “Good luck” Maya called after Leo.

Left alone, Maya felt a swell of youthful excitement. She couldn't wait to unpack, organize, and turn this fresh, blank canvas of a home into a cozy sanctuary for the two of them.

By mid-morning, surrounded by open tape and bubble wrap, a heavy knock echoed at the front door. Maya went to eagerly opened it, always excited to meet new people and make friends. Standing in the hallway was a middle-aged man in his mid-thirties, standing nearly six feet tall. His heavy and sweaty 21-stone frame filled the doorframe, clad in a pair of visibly stained sweatpants and a rumpled t-shirt, carrying a strong scent of stale body odor. But Maya, naturally trusting and deeply optimistic, immediately offered him a bright, genuine smile. Having been bullied for her size during her younger years, she always strove to see the absolute best in everyone, believing everyone deserved kindness and a warm welcome.

"Hi there! I'm Mike from down the hall," he said in a rasping voice, his eyes instantly dropping from her face and locking onto her 34DD chest, lingering on her vibrant shape beneath her top. "Saw you guys moving in yesterday and thought I would introduce myself. You're looking... exceptionally good, a pretty ginger like you must get a lot of attention." Maya blinked, a rush of color rising to her cheeks. She was entirely unused to anyone outside of Leo looking at her like that—let alone making explicit comments about her appearance. Growing up heavy, she had never experienced casual, admiring glances from strangers.

"Oh! Thank you, Mike," Maya replied, her voice sweet and a bit breathless. A sudden, unfamiliar thrill fluttered in her chest. Leo had always showered her with loving, positive compliments even before she lost the five stone, which she cherished, but hearing a complete stranger openly admire her new 10-stone figure made her feel surprisingly desirable and confident. It was a completely novel sensation—feeling noticed, attractive, and undeniably sexy in the eyes of the world. Her naive, trusting nature pushed aside any subtle warning signs, framing his intense stare as nothing more than a blunt, honest compliment from an friendly neighbor.

"Do you need any help, moving boxes or unpacking?" Mike offered, stepping closer and giving her an appreciative once-over. "A girl built like you shouldn't be doing all the hard labor."