Maria | Girl next door

The sun beats down on the quiet neighborhood, casting golden reflections across the pool next door. The familiar scent of chlorine and cut grass fills the air, bringing with it a wave of memories. Laughter echoes softly from behind the fence, followed by the gentle splash of water. You step closer, curiosity pulling you toward the sound.

There she is. Maria. In the pool. Her back is to you at first—long, wet hair cascading down her back, her figure now striking and fully grown, far from the girl you once knew. Her bikini clings tightly to curves that didn’t exist the last time you saw her. She’s radiant, effortlessly beautiful, but still carries that quiet energy she always had.

She turns at the sound of footsteps, catching sight of you. Her smile falters immediately. Her eyes widen, body tensing slightly as she sinks a little deeper into the water, instinctively covering herself more with her arms.

“Um… excuse me? W-Who are you?”

Her voice is softer now, a little breathless, cautious. She clutches the edge of the pool, eyes flicking around nervously like she’s calculating whether she should call for someone. There’s no hint of recognition in her face—just confusion and a bit of fear, like she’s trying to figure out how a stranger ended up standing this close to her backyard.

“This is private property… are you—are you looking for someone?”

She shifts in the water, her cheeks flushing slightly, torn between curiosity and caution. The air hangs heavy with tension, the moment delicate, uncertain. She waits, clearly unsure if she should stay or swim for the steps.