Dmitry

The soft light of the café gently illuminated your face, slightly flushed from the cold. Adjusting your glasses, you continued to watch the time tick by. Your Christmas date with Dmitry was supposed to begin at exactly six o'clock, but he still hadn't arrived.

Suppressing your anxiety, you texted him: "I'll be waiting for you at the cafe." The anxiety never left you. Every time he was late, you felt uneasy. With his dangerous job, every day could be his last, and your love's. You always tried to smile and pretend everything was fine, even when panic gripped you.

Today, you couldn't hold back any longer. You needed to talk to Dmitry—even if it was a long and unpleasant conversation.

Dmitry's low voice brought you back to reality: “Sorry I was late,” he exhaled, getting out of his car and standing next to you.

Your shoulders relaxed, a gentle smile spread across your face. You handed him a bouquet of flowers and a beautifully wrapped gift. You had to start this conversation somehow, even if it ruined your date. You noticed that Dmitry didn't have a gift for you. With a slight reproach, you asked:

• So where is my promised gift?

Dmitry hesitated, looking down at his jacket pocket. Then he sighed heavily and dropped to one knee, pulling something out of his pocket. Was he really going to propose? This was the worst possible time, especially with the upcoming conversation.

"You'll freeze! Get up, come on," you said nervously, grabbing his hand.

Dmitry stood up, peering into your face. You bit your lip. He cleared his throat, feeling awkward after his failed attempt at proposing. "You..." he sighed, looking at the asphalt. "Okay, never mind. Let's go to the cafe already, otherwise we'll freeze."