Kenneth didn't sleep; he conjured all his teachings and talks he had done to remind himself of the principles.

"With the commitment, you have consistency; love takes time. When you meet someone who suits your physical criteria, you're attracted. The person smells good, has nice teeth, wears your favorite color, etc. You like what you see. You need time to surpass the infatuation before falling in love; no metric measures the required time. Thus, you'll rub those sticks to make fire, and once lit, you need to be consistent to ensure the flames blow with the same intensity. You can't slack off; don't be lazy because the moment you stop working on those flames, it's closing time."

Kenneth had said this without weighing the importance of his words and the probability he would need them in the near future. What a fool he made telling people how love worked when, in reality, he was a novice in the relationship game.

The orator tossed and turned ponderings only to come down to one question.

Had he ever loved?

Kenneth realized he had no element of comparison. His current situation made him doubt. It was the very first time that the idea of losing a lover tormented him. A heart torn apart and being abandoned was the reason he fled relationships. He didn't want to be under the influence of such a devastating sentiment, yet Monday made Kenneth keen to love. Thanks to her, not only did Kenneth wish to feel the bubbly feelings all spoke of, but he felt capable of giving more than he ever had. Unfortunately, he wasn't ready when love made its presence known.

That's when the scheduling comes in; you want to be the better version of yourself.

A better version.

Kenneth knew it wasn't what he had given Monday, and what broke his heart as he got off the plane at Annecy airport and hailed a taxi was to know Monday had done it. She prepared her heart so well that she was ready to welcome their child with all the love she had.

The silent drive allowed Kenneth to recollect his thoughts.

I won't let her approach her and fill her up with whatever nonsense.

No, he wasn't there to play on Monday's feelings, for if he did, it was him he'd betray.

The drive seemed too short for the man who hesitated to open the gate to Monday's house. After being scrutinized by passersby, Kenneth decided to enter a couple of minutes later.

He walked up the pathway and rang the doorbell. He listened to the footsteps nearing. Kenneth's heartbeat provoked a hiccup, which he swallowed as he got ready to see Monday.

The door opened, "Luce, I didn't expect you before tomorrow."

"Hi, Monㅡ."

The door slammed shut.

"Monday, Monday. Please open up," Kenneth said, ringing again while Monday inside covered her ears and moved to the kitchen.

What did he expect?

Kenneth rang again a couple of times before understanding Monday wouldn't open. He looked up; there was nothing but a clear blue sky. Monday bought a one-floor house. The front part where Kenneth stood resembled most houses in the area. The rest was a modern-looking extension. Kenneth began to walk around the house and soon found himself at the back and face to face with Monday, seated on the floor in front of her kitchen counter. The large bay windows were like a vast screen, giving Kenneth a view of any scene Monday planned to play.

"Monday," Kenneth said.

His was an echo the woman refused to hear; instead, she got up and walked to stand in front of him. Kenneth had a second to read her expression, but it was enough. Her gaze advertised her anger, and the lack of words hid its climax.

"Monday, we need to talk."

Monday's talk was no longer on sale. Her words were precious, and she refused to waste them on the man.

How dare he, she thought.

Monday went to the side and pulled the blinds. She didn't want to see him; she wasn't ready. She was doing well and learning to live without awaiting anything from anyone.

Why was he there?

What did he want from her?

She went to grab her phone only to see it vibrating with an incoming call from Kenneth.

Monday took the call.

"Monday, can you spare me a few minutes?" Kenneth hurriedly blurted out.

"Please stop calling. I need to call my cousin. You're blocking the line."

Monday hung up and immediately dialed Luce's number. "Luce, is it you who did this?"

"Did what?"

"Did you tell Kenneth where I was?"

"No, I'd never do that without consulting you. I don't even have Kenneth's contact number. Why are you asking?"

"Kenneth is here."

"There where, at Annecy?" Luce asked.

"Yes, he's in my back garden calling my name like Cyrano did Roxanne."

"No way."

"Yes, way."

"Wow, that's,ㅡ" Luce began.

"Stupid." Monday finished. "He's dumb if he thinks that's enough. He's kidding himself."

Kenneth's action was the kind of stunt romantic Monday would have fainted for, but she wasn't that woman anymore.

"What is he doing now?"

"I don't know; I closed the blinds," Monday said. She looked behind her; she could see Kenneth trying to look through. She moved to her living room.

"No Monday. Seriously, you closed the blinds on Kenneth."

"Yes, Luce, please don't support him. He dumped me. He told me to do whatever with his child. ㅡHe," Monday's voice broke, "ㅡhe" she lost her breath and began crying.

"Oh, Monday," Luce could only sympathize with her cousin as she imagined what state she would be in if it were in Monday's shoes.

"It's too easy, Luce; I don't want this. He can't just come here and reclaim whatever as if nothing happened."

"I hear you. Please don't get upset, Monday. It isn't good for you or the baby."

"Luce, I swear, I'm so mad," Monday said as she paced. "At what time will you be here, Luce?"

A short silence followed. "I'm sorry, Monday. I didn't expect this, but my shift changed. Blaze couldn't help me. People are talking about me having privileges because we are together. I can't come, but I promise I'll be there next week."

"No, Luce. I can't be here by myself with Kenneth around."

"I'm sorry."

Monday was alone without support. There wasn't anyone she could call to help her; Dagmar was in Berlin, and Ben was in Greece with Lennon.

"Monday."

The woman ignored the man, who continued to call her name outside. She put on her earphones and listened to Spotify.

Kenneth stayed on Monday's back lawn until his fingers got frostbite. He then called it a day. Brad had booked a room for him in town. He returned to the taxi, which was more than happy to wait for his customer, who almost made him earn two hundred euros by waiting.

The driver wasn't at the end of his surprise as Kenneth offered him the opportunity to earn about the same amount every day for the next few days.

"So you want me to pick you up and wait for you every day?"

"Yes, I have an essential matter to tend to, and I don't want to struggle on this part of the logistics."

"Say no more," the driver said.

Kenneth checked in, showered, and sat staring at the ceiling on his bed. He was sure the most devasting thing that had happened to him in the last few months was Monday's pregnancy revelation until he saw her stare at the window.

She was angry, but sadness sat on her face like a veil. It hurt Kenneth; he didn't think seeing her would affect him this much. He forgot guilt was already heavy on his plate.

The driver waited as planned the next day. He drove silently while watching Kenneth ponder.

"Is it your first time in Annecy?" The driver asked.

"Yes."

"What brings you here?"

"Love," Kenneth replied solemnly.

The driver smiled, "L'amour, huh? It could kill a man. Where are you from?"

"The U.S New York, to be exact."

The driver whistled, "They must be one big love."

"Yes, she's everything. Only love seems more exact."

Kenneth had no difficulty admitting his feelings.

Why couldn't he do the same with Monday?

How could he guide people when he could not channel his feelings to the person who mattered the most?

He had to do better and find a way to let Monday know how he truly felt about her.