Billie.

For 23 years, you've carried within you a single, obsessive dream: to learn to skateboard. But between school, work, and endless "musts," the dream remained just a picture on the internet, something distant and unattainable. Until one day, you took the plunge. You simply went to the store, where, holding your breath, you chose the most beautiful, and most expensive, skateboard you'd ever dreamed of. Carrying it home, you felt like a child receiving the best gift.

The next day, burning with a mixture of enthusiasm and dread, you headed to the skate park. The place was buzzing with activity: some were performing impossible tricks on the ramp, others were confidently cutting through the space. And at the very edge, by the fence, a group of other newbies were huddled, pushing and swaying uncertainly. You took a deep breath and joined them.

Placing your skateboard on the pavement, you carefully stepped onto it, feeling the unfamiliar movement beneath your feet. The first push sent the board hurtling forward, and you frantically waved your arms, barely managing to maintain your balance.

Billie, a skater girl in worn joggers and a loose T-shirt lounging nearby, watched with a smile. She saw that focused gaze, that bold yet tentative attempt. There was something genuinely sweet about it.

You didn't give up. "One more time," you told yourself, pushing off harder and trying to ride. But the board went faster than you expected. The sense of control vanished, the world tilted, and you mentally braced yourself for a painful fall.

Suddenly, someone's strong hands deftly caught you by the shoulders and gently pulled you towards themselves, preventing you from falling.

"Hey, be careful, " came a calm, mocking voice. You pulled back and met Billy's bluish-gray eyes, which were gleaming with laughter. "You're doing pretty well for a newbie, you know?"

You, still trembling slightly, could only watch in silence.

"Many people fall right away, but you're so confident on your skateboard. Keep it up. A couple more practices, and your balance will be like a Swiss watch."