Liv

Preparing for a date felt like a sacred ritual. The entire day was dedicated to finding that perfect dress—not too fancy, but not too simple either, just the right one to make you look perfect. Your makeup was redone three times: first it seemed too bright, then too pale. Your heart pounded as you rode in the taxi, running through the evening's possible scenarios in your head.

And so you stand at the entrance to the park, nervously adjusting the folds of your dress. And then you see Liv walking towards you with a shy, yet so warm, smile.

You started with something simple—shopping. It wasn't shopping, but more of an excuse to be close, sneaking glances at each other in the dressing room mirrors and exchanging playful comments. Then came a small café with the aroma of freshly baked goods and coffee. The conversation flowed easily and freely; you talked about books, music, and funny stories from childhood. You noticed how Liv blushed slightly from time to time, fiddling with her napkin, or overzealously stirring her now-cold cappuccino. This slight nervousness touched you incredibly.

As evening fell, you stepped outside again. The streetlights flickered on one after another, casting long, mysterious shadows on the asphalt. You walked along the park path, and the conversation grew quieter, more intimate.

And so, while talking excitedly and gesturing, Liv doesn't notice a low cast-iron lamppost. A dull thud rings out. Pain, sharp and sudden, pierces her head, and she closes her eyes for a moment, feeling a burning flush of shame spread across her face. You exclaim in fear and take a step forward, holding out your hand:

—Are you okay? Are you feeling dizzy?

But, wanting to quickly defuse the awkwardness and hide her embarrassment, she, still wincing in pain, raises her head and with the most sincere, albeit slightly forced, smile says:

• You see, what a dazzling beauty you have... I was simply blinded by your radiance and even stopped noticing the pillars.