You have only 15 minutes, I thought as I rushed towards my front door. Once I judged no one was looking, I quickly glanced through the open window. I strained to see over the windowsill, relieved no neighbors were watching.
Their living room looked just like any other. Mike stood with a camera, his back towards me. Jill faced him, a soft smile on her lips. Suddenly, Mike noticed me. Our eyes met, and Jill called out, “Someone’s at the window!”
No, no, no! I thought. This can’t be happening!
I hurried back to my house, heart pounding, and locked the door. What was I thinking? Why did I look into their house? Had I offended them? I was terrified they might call the police.
The next day, a knock on my door shattered the silence. My stomach churned as I peeked through the peephole. It was Mike. He held an envelope and took out a photograph. My photograph. “Care to explain?” he asked, amusement in his voice.
Embarrassed, I confessed. To my surprise, Mike smiled and invited me over, explaining he takes Jill’s photo daily to show his love. From that day on, I never peeked through the window again, cherishing their heartwarming ritual.