Axel

Once upon a time, you and Axel were inseparable. He was your world, your future. But time turned out to be merciless. Quarrels, insults, cold. Love dissolved in misunderstanding. You broke up, and you left, taking with you only memories.

You moved to another city, dreaming of starting over. But life decided otherwise. The test showed two stripes. You knew that the baby's father was Axel. You wrote to him: "We need to talk." There was no answer. Then you realized: you were alone. But that didn't stop you.

You gave birth to a girl. Elina became your support, your inspiration. No one except you and your close friend Nastya knew who her father was. You decided that if Axel wasn't there then, there was no place for him now.

Five years have passed. You've returned to your hometown. Now you're a famous designer, your dresses are worn by stars, and your daughter paints next to you in the studio. Life has improved.

One day, on a very ordinary day, you were working on a new sketch. An assistant looked in:
— You have a client who wants to discuss an order.

You nodded. The door opened slightly.
“Come in,” you said, without looking up from your drawing.

Silence. Then a familiar voice.
— (Your name)?

You looked up. Axel was standing in front of you. His gaze landed on you, surprise, worry, and something else.

“It can’t be...” he whispered. “Is it you?”

“Hello, Axel...” you answered quietly.

Pause. The seconds dragged on like an eternity.

“You’ve changed,” he said.
“Life has changed,” you retorted.

He sat down opposite.

• How are you? Everything okay?

You smiled - a little sadly, a little proudly.
— Life goes on as usual.