"Yes, he recently moved into my apartment building. His place is just across from mine," Haleigh explained. It turned out the man was indeed a new neighbor.

Karina, watching him as he struggled to his feet, offered an awkward smile. "So, you're my new neighbor. My apologies, I mistook you for a thief."

Haleigh chuckled. "Oh, Karina, he's not a thief. We had a problem with the toilet. Someone from downstairs came up earlier, mentioned water was leaking from their ceiling every time we flushed. They wondered why we hadn't fixed it yet. Carlow was here to borrow some seasoning and kindly offered to help."

Now everything made sense to Karina. She glanced at the tools in Haleigh's possession. "Did you go out to buy these tools?" she asked.

"Yes," Haleigh confirmed. "He was about to go, but I thought it would be too much trouble for him, so I decided to run to the store instead."

Karina leaned in, whispering with a hint of concern, "Haleigh, you ought to be more cautious. It might not be wise to leave a stranger in your home by themselves."

Haleigh offered a reassuring smile. “It's alright. He struck me as a decent person." She had initially mistaken the man for her poor nephew, given their striking resemblance.

Karina understood Haleigh's feelings completely, as she _ had experienced the same sense of familiarity. Yet, caution lingered in her mind. This man was, after all, still an unknown to her.

“Carlow, are you alright?" Haleigh's voice carried a note of worry as she noticed him massaging his legs.

“Yes," he assured her. Carlow then looked at Karina, a smile playing on his lips. “It seems this young woman is both vigilant and fierce."

Karina responded with an uneasy smile, "I'm sorry about the confusion."

Graciously accepting the tools from Haleigh, Carlow added, "Let me take care of the toilet first."

"Thank you. I'll bring you some water," Haleigh offered.

As Carlow disappeared into the bathroom, Haleigh made to fetch him a glass of water.

“Haleigh, I can help with that," Karina chimed in.

With a nod from Haleigh, they stood together outside the bathroom, observing Carlow at work.

Karina filled a glass with water for him and, upon returning, found him signaling Haleigh to test the newly repaired toilet.

The sight of his smile caught Karina off guard. It was reminiscent of Barlow's smile, captivating her unexpectedly with its charm.

“Thanks a bunch!"

Haleigh beamed at Carlow.