Every morning, a woman’s persistent admirer joined her run — until the day he mysteriously didn’t show up.

Rebecca coped with depression by organizing her life so there would be no time for it. She had done this for years, ever since her divorce. Until one persistent stranger decided to interfere with her rigid and lonely routine. Little did Rebecca know he would become the only person she would miss.

In the soft light of her bedroom, Rebecca lay on her back, eyes fixed on the digital clock beside her bed. The numbers read 6:29. She took a deep breath, waiting for the clock to change. As soon as it hit 6:30, the alarm rang, but Rebecca was quick to silence it. She sat up, tossed the covers aside, and got out of bed with precise practicality.

First things first: Rebecca smoothed the sheets, adjusting every corner until the bed looked impeccably made. She entered the bathroom, where everything had its place — the toothbrush in its holder, the soap on the dish, the mirror hung above the sink. She looked at her own reflection, calm but distant. She was 47 years old, with marks of experience and resilience etched on her face. Seven years had passed since her divorce, and although the pain had softened, it left a scar.

Her response to pain had been order, discipline, and a strict routine. These things gave her a sense of control when life felt chaotic.

Exactly at 7 o’clock, Rebecca tied her running shoes, plugged in her earbuds, and went out for her morning jog. For years, these runs were her escape — a moment to strengthen her body while listening to audiobooks that exercised her mind. It was her shield against sadness, each step a way to keep moving forward.

But in the last month, something had begun to disrupt her carefully planned routine — a neighbor named Charlie, who seemed determined to invade her solitary guard, one “good morning” at a time.

Charlie’s house was right across from hers, and every morning, as soon as Rebecca settled into her steady pace, he would come out hopping, waving his arms, barely managing to keep his sneakers on.

That morning was no different. Rebecca spotted him as he hurried down the stairs, hastily tying his shoelaces in an attempt to catch up with her. She sighed, rolled her eyes, and quickened her pace, hoping he’d get the message. But Charlie was not easily discouraged.

“Rebecca! Wait, it’s me!” he called out, running to catch up, waving one hand and holding his side with the other.

Rebecca pretended not to hear, keeping her eyes forward, steps rhythmic and focused.

But Charlie was determined and soon ran alongside her, panting.

“You’re fast… as always,” he said, grinning crookedly.

Rebecca took out one earbud and looked at him, feigning surprise.

“Oh, hi, I didn’t see you there,” she replied, with a hint of irritation. She didn’t want to talk; she had the whole morning planned.

“No problem, my fault for being late,” Charlie said, happy just to run next to her.

She was about to put her earbud back in when he asked:

“Want to hear a joke?”

She muttered:

“You’d save more breath if you talked less while running…”

He ignored her.

“Why did the scarecrow get a promotion?”

Rebecca sighed but answered:

“I don’t know, why?”

“Because he was outstanding in his field!”

Against her better judgment, she laughed softly, muffling the sound. Charlie beamed.

“See? You smiled! I’m getting better at this.”

Rebecca gave a small smile and said:

“I’ll give you that one, it wasn’t so bad.”

Charlie celebrated:

“Finally! Progress!”

Rebecca sped up again, leaving him behind.

Every morning, she looked forward to seeing Charlie with his untied sneakers and cheerful smile. His silly jokes, once irritating, had become pleasant, and she smiled more, even laughing out loud — something rare for her.

Surprisingly, she slowed her pace to chat more. Charlie’s enthusiasm softened her hard barriers.

That morning, however, something was different. His door was closed, no sign of him.

Rebecca checked the clock and waited, trying not to worry, but doubt grew. Charlie was always excited to run.

She walked to his house and knocked on the door. No answer. She rang the doorbell, peeked through the window — all quiet.

“Charlie! Are you there?” she called firmly, expecting to hear his laugh and excuses.

Only silence answered.

Then, an elderly voice spoke nearby.

“Who’s yelling around here?”

Rebecca turned and saw Mrs. Lewis, the lady who lived next door.

“Oh, Mrs. Lewis,” she said, embarrassed, “I usually run with Charlie, but he didn’t show up today. Maybe he overslept.”

Mrs. Lewis shook her head, worried.

“Overslept? Oh no, dear. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance last night.”

Rebecca’s heart jumped.

“To the hospital? What happened?”

“I don’t know,” Mrs. Lewis said sadly, “I only saw the ambulance arrive and take him away. Such a shame. The poor man lives alone, no one to take care of him.”

Rebecca stood there, overwhelmed by guilt and worry. She had known Charlie a short time, but he was already part of her life.

Without thinking, she thanked Mrs. Lewis, went back home, grabbed her purse and keys, and went to the hospital.

Walking through the crowded corridors, the antiseptic smell made her even more anxious. She took a deep breath when she reached the reception.

“Good morning,” she said, her voice trembling, “I’m looking for a patient admitted last night. Name: Charlie.”

The receptionist raised an eyebrow.

“Do you have a last name, ma’am?”

Rebecca blushed.

“No, I only know him as Charlie. We recently met.”

“You know only Charlie? You do realize only family or close relatives can visit, right?”

“I… am his girlfriend,” she blurted out, surprising even herself.

The receptionist’s eyes softened, a mischievous smile appearing.

“Girlfriend, huh? Then you’ll need to learn his last name if he stays here. Charlie Sanders. Room 113. I’ll take you there.”

Rebecca murmured a “thank you” and followed.

Before reaching the room, she heard Charlie’s familiar laugh, his voice echoing as he told a joke.

The receptionist announced:

“Charlie, there’s a lady here to see you… she says she’s your girlfriend.”

Charlie’s eyes sparkled.

“Yes, yes! Rebecca, come in. Of course, she came to see me.”

Rebecca felt relieved as she sat beside him.

Charlie looked tired but happy, as if the hospital gown and IV drip were mere details.

She looked at him, relieved and exasperated.

“Girlfriend, huh?” he teased, raising his eyebrows.

“I had to say something to get in, right?” she replied. “And you missed our workout! What happened?”

Charlie sighed.

“Well… it’s a bit embarrassing, but running isn’t good for my health.”

Rebecca went pale.

“What do you mean?”

He lowered his gaze, embarrassed.

“I have a heart condition. The doctor forbade intense exercise… like trying to keep up with you.”

Rebecca’s heart sank.

“Charlie, why didn’t you tell me? You shouldn’t be running!”

He smiled sideways.

“If I hadn’t run, I wouldn’t have met you. I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet you.”

Rebecca softened, touched.

“So you risked your health just to talk to me?”

He nodded seriously.

“Yes.”

“I saw you every morning, running, helping neighbors, doing charity. You’re a special person, Rebecca.”

She squeezed his hand.

“Charlie, you don’t need to run to be with me. How about dinner at my place?”

His face lit up.

“That sounds safer for my heart.”

Awareness About Financial Loans

A financial loan can be an important resource to solve immediate problems, carry out projects, or face emergencies. However, taking out a loan should be done with great care and awareness to avoid negative consequences that can seriously affect the borrower’s financial life.

Many people resort to loans due to urgent needs or the illusion that they will have an easy time paying in the future, without considering the real contract conditions, interest rates, and the impact of installments on the monthly budget. This can result in over-indebtedness, income commitment, and difficulties in fulfilling other financial obligations.

Before applying for a loan, it is essential to assess the real need for credit and whether there are better alternatives, such as renegotiating debts, cutting expenses, or even temporary financial help. It is important to thoroughly research different institutions, compare interest rates, terms, fees, and contract conditions.

Another crucial point is understanding exactly how much the loan will cost in total, including interest, insurance, taxes, and other expenses. Often, the final amount paid may be much higher than the requested amount, and this needs to be clear to the consumer.

Payment capacity must also be carefully analyzed. Committing an excessive portion of the monthly income to installments can cause financial instability and prevent the fulfillment of other basic expenses, creating a vicious cycle of debts.

To avoid problems, plan the use of the loan for truly important and productive purposes, such as investing in a business, consolidating higher-interest debts, or covering emergency expenses that cannot be postponed. Never use loans to finance unnecessary expenses or to cover budget gaps without a plan to balance finances.

Financial education and planning are essential for the conscious use of credit. Always seek information, talk to specialists, and run simulations before deciding. Remember that loans are a powerful tool but can cause great damage if used irresponsibly.

In short, a loan can help—but only if used with planning, research, and control. Avoiding debt and preserving financial health depend on your awareness and care when seeking this type of credit.