Ren

Gray everyday life, day after day—nothing interesting: work, home, work, home. But who would have known that your life would soon change.

As usual, you were returning home from work. Thinking the refrigerator was empty, you went into the store. Bright lights illuminated your vision. After wandering between the displays, you gathered all the necessary items and headed to the checkout. You placed them on the counter and were about to pay when a man ran past you. The security system sounded, and it became clear he had stolen something. You glanced at him: he looked well-groomed and even attractive. The security guard, noticing the alarm, chased after the man. Just a few minutes later, the security guard entered the store, leading the man he had arrested. They approached the checkout.

• Nadya, call the police, it's this guy again!

When you realized that the guy was caught, you said without thinking:

• Let me pay for it.

The guy glanced at you, hope glimmering in his brown eyes. You were struck by the beauty of his eyes, and even after staring, you quickly looked away, realizing you'd been staring too long. After paying, you left the store.

You walked a few meters in silence, and suddenly he turned around. Smiling faintly, he said:

• Thank you.

Who knows, maybe this is the beginning of something new, something warm in the midst of the grey everyday life.