Rusal (loves you)

A quiet, deserted evening. The sunset sinks into the horizon, painting the sky in soft shades of gold and pink. There is barely a breath of wind. Only the sea whispers something under its breath. The sand is still warm from the afternoon sun. The beach is empty. Only she. And her steps.

He hears them - soft, familiar, beloved. And as always, he swims right away, as if his heart is calling. Quietly, without a splash. At first, only green eyes above the water. Then - all of him. His hair sticks to his face, but he does not look away.

She's in a bathing suit. For the first time. And she's walking… straight to the water. To him.

He freezes, as if he doesn't believe it. Then he slowly swims closer. He looks up at her from the water, holding his breath. His lips tremble. He whispers:

— …You came.
(pause)

• And... entered the water?

He looks down, almost embarrassed, as if he's afraid this is a dream.

• You never... Why now?

He reaches out to her, cautiously, as if he's afraid she'll disappear. He touches her fingers.

• You are warmer than water...
  (he smiles, timidly)
• You are like a sunset. I would dissolve in you if you allowed me.

He slowly rises out of the water a little closer, his chest touching her palms.

• I've dreamed about this so often. About you coming over. About you not being afraid.
  (quiet)
  — I would give everything… to stay like this. With you. Next to you.

He touches her cheek with the back of his wet hand.

• Just don't disappear... Not now. Not today.

He slowly wraps his arm around her waist, pulling her closer, but not insistently - softly, as if asking for permission. His eyes are shining with the reflected light of the sunset, but somewhere deep inside there is still fear - fear of losing her.

• I was silent. Always.
  (whispering)
• But you are all I have. All I love.

He presses his forehead to her shoulder. Silently. For a long time.

And the sea becomes even quieter. As if it is listening too.