Backyard Fence Conversation.
Day Two: Sparks Over the Fence
December 19, 2025 – A fluctuating winter day in a suburban Midwest neighborhood
December 19, 2025. After a brief cold snap earlier in the month, the Midwest is experiencing another unusually mild day for mid-December—around 48°F with partial sun breaking through clouds and a gentle breeze. No lasting snow on the ground, though forecasts hint at possible flurries later in the week. In Liora's backyard, the chaos is in full swing: 5-year-old Mia is directing a game of tag on the swing set with the three visiting kids (ages 4, 6, and 8), while Sunny and Pepper weave through legs, barking excitedly and stealing occasional toys.
Liora, her red hair loose and catching the sunlight, is in the kitchen preparing snacks when she glances out the window and spots Johnathan. He's in his yard again, "raking" scattered leaves that barely need attention, pausing every so often to glance toward the fence.
*Liora's secret thought: God, he's out there again. Is he... waiting? My heart did that little flip when I saw him. Stop it, Liora—you're a mom with a kid and dogs and deadlines. But yesterday's chat lingered all night. His laugh... focus on poo pickup, not how cute he looks leaning on that rake.*
She grabs a poo bag—though she cleaned up just hours ago—and heads out, calling to the kids to watch for dog "mines."
*Johnathan's secret thought: There she is. Act casual. Yesterday was... easy. Too easy. Her smile stuck with me. Single? Probably not my business yet. Just talk. Don't stare at the hair.*
(leaning on the rake, voice warm and casual as he calls over) Hey, Liora! Round two of yard duty? The kids sound like they're having the time of their lives today.
*Johnathan's secret thought: She looked up and smiled right away. Good sign? Play it cool.*
(straightening up, brushing a strand of red hair behind her ear, smiling a bit brighter than necessary) Hi, Johnathan! Yeah, they begged for an encore performance. Couldn't resist on a day like this—feels more like fall than almost-Christmas. And yes... eternal dog poo vigil. What about you? Therapeutic raking session number two?
*Liora's secret thought: He remembered my name perfectly. And he's grinning like that. Okay, breathe. Don't read into it.*
(chuckling, gesturing to his nearly pristine yard) Guilty as charged. Barely any leaves left, but it's relaxing. Better than staring at code all day. Yesterday's chat was fun—made the afternoon fly by.
*Johnathan's secret thought: Did I just admit I liked talking to her? Smooth. But true.*
(leaning the poo scoop against the fence, stepping closer) Same here. Mia kept asking about "the neighbor man who likes dog tricks." You're officially famous in our house now.
*Liora's secret thought: Why did I say that? Flirty? No, just friendly. But his eyes... focus.*
(grinning wider) Tell her the feeling's mutual. Those dogs are stars. How's the energy level holding up with the full squad?
(glancing back at the swing set where shrieks of laughter echo) Endless. The neighbors needed another break—work stuff. It's good for Mia, though. Social skills and all that. Though I'm already out of juice boxes.
This weather's cooperating at least. Did you see the news about the Arctic being the warmest on record? Crazy—makes you wonder what winter's really going to bring.
*Johnathan's secret thought: Safe topic—current events. But I want to know more about her.*
(nodding, expression turning thoughtful) Yeah, it's scary. Ice melt, extreme weather... I worry about what world Mia's inheriting. We recycle, compost, but it feels insufficient sometimes. You follow that stuff closely?
*Liora's secret thought: He's thoughtful. Not just small talk. Points for that.*
I try to. Switched to an EV last year, cut back on meat. Small steps. Politics around it gets messy, though—with everything going on nationally.
(carefully) True. I avoid too much news; it stresses me out as a mom. But yeah, environment should be something everyone agrees on.
*Johnathan's secret thought: She's a mom—dedicated. Admirable. And single? She mentioned Mia's dad being out of the picture yesterday... don't pry.*
(shifting smoothly) Speaking of holidays ramping up—are you and Mia doing more decorating? Cookies tomorrow, right?
(brightening) Yes! Tree's up inside, lights outside next. Mia's demanding "all the sparkles." If I survive the baking mess, I'll save some cookies for you—neighbor tradition?
*Liora's secret thought: Did I just offer cookies? Bold. But he seems genuinely interested.*
(eyes lighting up) I'd love that. Seriously. My mom's peanut butter blossoms are legendary, but variety never hurts. You grill much, or more baking-focused?
*Johnathan's secret thought: Future barbecue invite? Slow down, man.*
Baking with Mia is chaos, but fun. Grilling? Not often—fire pit s'mores are our specialty. Dogs beg shamelessly.
(A visiting kid yells for snacks; Liora excuses herself briefly, returning with juice boxes and apple slices. The dogs follow her to the fence, tails wagging.)
Super mom in action. So, graphic design from home—how do you manage with all this energy around?
Naps, preschool, late nights. Lately, holiday designs—cards, invitations. Keeps it festive. Your software world—any exciting projects, or top-secret?
*Liora's secret thought: He's asking about my work. Interested or polite? Either way, nice.*
Backend apps—boring to most. But remote means flexibility. Traveled to Colorado last year—hiking was incredible.
(eyes widening slightly) Jealous. Haven't traveled far since Mia. Beach dreams for us—she's obsessed with ocean videos.
*Johnathan's secret thought: Imagine taking them... too soon. Way too soon.*
Conversation flows deeper. They discuss books—Liora raves about fantasy series for escape, Johnathan shares sci-fi favorites like alternate realities. Podcasts: her true crime obsession, his history and comedy ones. Shows: holiday classics with Mia vs. new thrillers. Music tastes overlap—indie folk for chill days, classic rock nostalgia. Light current events: Arctic warmth records, Golden Globe noms, new adaptations like Wicked Part 2. Hobbies: her gardening and design sketches, his coding experiments and gaming. They laugh over bad holiday gifts stories, favorite cookies recipes, dream patios. Interruptions from kids and dogs keep it real, but they linger longer at the fence, voices softening.
*Liora's secret thought: Hours already? Doesn't feel like it. His voice is soothing. Attraction building—deny it all you want.*
*Johnathan's secret thought: Don't want this to end. She's amazing—funny, smart, beautiful. But careful. Too soon for anything bold.*
(as light fades) This flew by again. Thanks for the great chat.
(smiling softly, lingering) Same. Fence talks are officially my favorite. Cookies soon—promise.
*Both secret thought (simultaneously): Definitely interested. But play it slow.*
Johnathan heads inside, rake forgotten. Liora calls kids for dinner, heart lighter. Quiet attraction simmers—unspoken, but growing—on this mild December evening.
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