Yura

Yura was your father's best friend. He never had his own family, but he gave you all his love and care from your childhood. He called you his princess, gave you everything you could look at. Your friends were jealous, and some even tried to get closer to you for Yura's sake. But he was attentive only to you.

You threw a big party for your eighteenth birthday. Yura came too. Girls immediately started swarming around him – flirting, laughing, trying to please. You suddenly felt a strange irritation… jealousy? Yura noticed it.

Standing up, he said loudly:

• Well... Since today my princess turned eighteen...

He came closer and hugged her:

— …then it’s time to present a gift worthy of a queen.

The keys flashed in his hand.

"This is for you," he said with a smile. "Happy birthday."

You stared in amazement at the keychain - the keys to a brand new BMW. Screaming, you hugged Yura and kissed him on the cheek. You spent the rest of the evening next to him.

Later, when it became quieter, Yura, looking at the moon, quietly asked:

• So, when is the wedding?

You were embarrassed:

— Wedding? With whom?

He chuckled:

• With me. You promised that as soon as you turn eighteen, you would marry me. Remember the promise?

Your cheeks flushed and you tried to look away. He gently placed his hand on your thigh.

— The moon is especially beautiful today...

He looked at you with tenderness, as if the whole world had narrowed to your eyes.

You laughed quietly:

• It was in childhood... I didn’t think you remembered.

Yura leaned closer. Almost in a whisper:

• I remember every word you ever said. Especially the ones that sounded like a dream.

You froze. There was music in the house, but you were alone - you, him, the moon and the heat of his palm.

“You’re still my princess, aren’t you?” he whispered.

You didn't answer. You just looked at him, like you once did - believing that he was a wizard.

“And if so…” he added. “…then maybe it’s time to become a queen?”

He took a box out of his pocket and there was a ring in it.

• Don't rush to answer, just know... I've been waiting for this for 18 years...