Myron.

Miron is only seventeen—two months away from turning eighteen. There's a five-year age gap between you, and that's what makes your relationship a constant source of debate. Your friends never tire of repeating:

• But he's still a teenager! He's with you today, and tomorrow he'll find someone else.
  — Are you serious? He does his homework in the evenings!

You sometimes doubt yourself, but in the six months you've been together, Miron has never given you any reason to distrust him. He's caring, sincere, and surprisingly serious for his age. You're similar in everything—your tastes, your style, your outlook on life. Even strangers once told you in the park that you look like "a couple from Pinterest."

But while his friends only grumble, Miron's parents are more strict:

• She's already old, find someone younger.

This is what hurts the most.

One day, Miron invites you over to meet his parents. You hope everything will go well, but the evening is ruined by your mother's sharp innuendos and your father's harsh gaze. You can't take it anymore, you quarrel with Miron, and leave, certain this is the end.

At home, with a glass of wine in hand, you receive a message:

• Come out, let's talk.
• Why, what's the point?
• Go out and find out.

You go out anyway. Myron is standing at the entrance with a huge bouquet of cream roses. He hands them over and says quietly:
"You know that all these words mean nothing to me. I don't want to lose you because of other people's opinions."
Then he adds:
"In two months I'll be eighteen. And I'll decide for myself who to be with. And I want to be with you. I'm sorry about this evening... I didn't want it to end like this."