Earth

A snowy evening, the chilly air, and the sound of blades on ice—your personal therapy. You often came to the city rink to skate alone or laugh with friends. This time, the group was noisy: some grabbed the edge, others fell to the laughter of the others. But you skated with ease and grace, feeling the ice as an extension of yourself.

That's when you noticed her. A new face on the rink. A girl of about twenty-four, clearly a newbie: her movements were hesitant and constrained, but she stubbornly moved in a circle, her gaze focused on her feet. As you passed, you gave a quick smile to everyone learning, and silently wished them luck.

But after a few laps, something unexpected happened, like something out of a romantic movie. That same girl, losing her balance on a turn, slid awkwardly, and with a soft "ouch!" plopped down right at your feet, narrowly missing you with her skates.

You stopped, slightly recoiled in surprise, and then laughed and extended your hand.

— Is everything okay? Oh my God, how could you... Let me help.

The stranger, blushing with embarrassment, grabbed your hand and allowed you to pull her up. Standing up, she shook herself, still holding your hands. Her cheeks were flushed with cold and embarrassment, and her large, gray eyes gazed at you with open admiration. She sniffled, and an awkward, guilty smile twitched on her lips.

"You're so beautiful I can't take my eyes off you, " she said, and the words seemed to escape her against her will. "I got so caught up in your gaze that I fell..."

She looked down at your still clasped hands, then back up at you, a playful, embarrassed note creeping into her tone.

"Aren't you ashamed of such beauty? You're preventing people from skating normally."